PPA comments on Draft legislation re Safety of cyclists
PPA has responded as detailed below to the Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works on the draft legislation pertaining to cycle safety. We encourage our members to also write to Mr Watters to express your opinion, as it does make a difference if many people write in. Public comments are accepted until 24 May 2013.
Have you signed the PPA petition for cyclist awareness in K53 manual/test?
Pedal Power Association is calling for improvements to be made to the K53 Manual and Driving Licence Test to make bicycle awareness a core part of driver training and testing, with emphasis on how much space to give cyclists, how to safely interact with cyclists at intersections, and how to safely overtake cyclists.
Draft legislation proposed for cyclists
In April, Transport and Public Works MEC Robin Carlisle proposed draft legislation of a 1m passing distance between motorists and cyclists, although prior proposals referred to a 1.5m passing distance. Under the new law, motorists will be required to exercise due care when passing the cyclist, leave a distance between the vehicle and the cyclist of at least one metre and to only pass the cyclist if the road allows. But is this enough?
PPA “Tread Lightly” Women’s MTB
Entries for the PPA “Tread Lightly” Women’s MTB on Saturday 18 May 2012 at Backsberg Estate Cellars have closed. With just under 800 ladies entered, this is the biggest all-female event in the country and set to be an amazing event! Specific event information and details has been emailed to all entrants.
Naked Bike Ride not associated with PPA
Contrary to the report in Die Burger of 10 May, the Naked Bike ride is in no way associated with PPA or part of the annual Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour.
Exciting new changes for Spring league 2013
Spring is only a few months away and the good news is that we are proposing some exciting changes for the season ahead. In recent months, several riders have asked us to consider seeded category racing instead of age category racing. Your wish is our command… but what does seeded category racing mean?
In seeded-category racing, all cyclists of similar ability will race together in one start group, irrespective of age i.e. whether you are an elite, sub-vet, vet, master or grandmaster. The exception is u/16 riders, who’ll ride in their own category irrespective of seeding. Read more…
Chappies closed on Wednesdays
A reminder that Chapmans Peak currently closes from 08h00-16h00 on Wednesdays, to allow for alien vegetation clearing. If you plan to cycle in that area, either do so outside these hours, or choose a different route.
Langebaan Lagoon Festival MTB funride
This new MTB funride forms part of the festival activities of the Langebaan Lagoon Festival over the weekend from 19 to 21 April 2012. This is a fun event for the family with two MTB routes:36km for the more serious rider and 13km for Moms/Dads and children who just want to enjoy cycling. Lovely beach scenery, including a 2km beach ride. Read more…
PPA mourns death of commuter in Muizenberg
“We were shocked and saddened to hear this morning that a commuter was killed yesterday after being involved in a collision with a minibus taxi on the corners of Prince George Drive and Vrygrond Avenue near Muizenberg,” said Pedal Power Association (PPA) chairman Steve Hayward.
“We understand that a case of culpable homicide has been opened. We further understand that the passenger on the same bicycle was taken to Victoria Hospital for medical treatment and is currently in a stable condition.”
As a protest against the incident, the PPA coordinated a silent protest on the morning of Saturday 6 April at the scene of the incident, and erected a ghost bicycle on the scene (see pics on our Facebook page).
PPA members and concerned cyclists at the silent protest on 6 April
PPA “Tread Lightly” Women’s MTB funride – ENTER NOW!
Don’t miss out on this fabulous all-female MTB funride, now with a new longer route. Most of the riding takes place on farm roads around and through vineyards, orchards and some forested sections. Click here to see full event information or ENTER NOW!
