Page 4 - FWG July Issue 2023

Security

Cycling, running and walking have become some
of the biggest and fastest-growing sports. FWG
residents are fortunate to perform these exercises

in a safe and secure environment.
SAFE CYCLING IS HAPPY CYCLING
Cyclists must be cautious as motorists and pedestrians share the roads.
Likewise, motorists and pedestrians need to be aware of cyclists.
What is safe cycling?
There are many answers to this question,
but in a nutshell, safe cycling relates
to the combination of common sense,
road rules and cycling knowledge to get
you from Point A to Point B safely and
efficiently.

Steps to safe cycling
Firstly, please ensure that you are visible
when riding your bicycle. Fit bright lights
to your bike (steady white light in front;
flashing red light behind the saddle),
wear reflective strips or bands around
your ankles where the motion attracts
attention, and wear brightly coloured kit
(luminous colours work well) – especially
when it is raining, misty or overcast, or at
dawn/dusk.

Secondly, put on a decent helmet before
getting onto your bicycle. Apart from
the fact that it became law in 2004 that
you have to wear a helmet whenever you Photo by Markus Spiske
cycle in South Africa, you never know
when a dog will run out in front of you, possible, wear closed shoes (again, make • Vehicles that have just parked, as the
when a person in a parked vehicle will sure the shoelaces don’t get caught in driver/passenger may open a door
unexpectedly open a door, or when a the chain or chainring) or – even better – without first checking to see if there is a
pedestrian will step out in front of you, MTB cycling shoes that allow you to walk cyclist approaching.
and the like. So be prepared and wear around comfortably when off the bicycle.
that helmet! What about other cyclists on the road?
You need to know something about Keep your eyes open for children or
Use your common sense for the rest of the road conditions and traffic rules novices as their bicycle-handling skills
kit: If it looks as if it could rain or get cold Safe cycling includes knowing where you may not yet be up to scratch, and they
during the day, take along something may or may not ride your bicycle, the may get a fright should you pass them
waterproof and/or warm. You cannot general traffic rules, and your rights as a too closely. Also, keep your eyes open
adequately control your bicycle if you are cyclist. According to South Africa’s traffic for other cyclists when approaching
shivering from the cold. laws, bicycles are regarded as vehicles, intersections.
which means you have every right to be
Sunglasses (or clear glasses in the on the road. Ride assertively and make Put down your phone
evening) protect your eyes from dust eye contact with drivers who may cross We shouldn’t even need to say this, but
and the like blowing into them. Again, it your path. talking on the phone, texting, or checking
is difficult to control a bicycle if you are social media while cycling are major
riding down a steep hill or if there’s traffic Watch out for the following: no-nos. Also, refrain from listening to
next to you, and something blows into • Vehicles that are turning left and headphones because they make hearing
your eyes. whose drivers may not have seen you any approaching cars and pedestrians
approaching in their blind spots. more difficult.
Wear the right shoes. Slip slops or sandals • Drain covers that run in the same
may be acceptable for a very short trip, direction as your direction of travel. STEPPING OUT SAFELY
but have you considered what would • Glass, sand, water or oil spills. Walking and running are great forms of
happen should the sandal get caught or • Wet paint. exercise for young and old alike. FWG is a
should you get involved in an accident? If • Any road debris. pedestrian-friendly estate, and residents

Fourways Gardens • 2 • July 2023