We are all about promoting safe cycling
Safety and the forever need for discipline is paramount to the enjoyment of cycling. Awareness and consideration are fundamental to ensuring a cycling environment that is safe and fun. We hope to strive to promote a safe and enjoyable cycing environment for all cyclists!
Code of Conduct for Recreational Cycling
By being an affiliated licenced cyclist, you are expected to adhere to this code of conduct. Failure to do so may result in dsciplinary action, including expulsion from your club. Remember that it is the responsibility of each individual to practice safety in respect of their own actions, as well as in their conduct towards other cyclists, motorists and road users.
Riding Etiquette and Conduct
* BE PREDICTABLE - ride in a consistent manner and keep in line. Do not swerve or move unexpectedly.
* INDICATE - learn accepted cycling hand signs and use them.
* DO NOT HIT THE BRAKES - look ahead at what is happening on the road and in the bunch and anticipate the moves by the cyclists ahead of you.
* KEEP ADEQUATE DISTANCE TO AVOID OVERLAPPING - be defensive to avoid being brought down.
* OBEY THE RULES OF THE ROAD - conduct one's self with the same consideration as one would expect from any other road user, particularly motorists. Aggressive gestures and behaviour by cyclists, will alienate motorists and is likely to lead to endangering other cyclists.
* STOP AT ALL RED TRAFFIC LIGHTS, STOP SIGNS & UNCONTROLLED INTERSECTIONS - where one's route crosses over an intersection and there is a group of riders following, do not cross, even if the traffic light is green - unless you are sure that the whole group will be able to cross safely before the light changes.
* DO NOT HOLD UP FOLLOWING TRAFFIC - wherever this is practical! ie. single file on single lane and busy roads where motor vehicles are frequently coming past. It is illegal to ride two abreast, but traffic officers overlook this provided it is done safely. Only ride two abreast where the road is quiet, there is a tarred verge and/or a double lane. No stopping in the road.
* BIKE SKILLS - learn to handle your bike confidently in all situations. Attend bike skills training courses or ask someone experienced to assist you. You need to know how to ride through corners, when you bump into a fellow cyclist or when your front wheel connects with the rear wheel of the bike in front, etc.
* AGGRESSIVE OR ABUSIVE BEHAVIOUR - towards fellow cyclists or other road users must be avoided. Remember that no cyclist in a bunch will deliberately try and cause an accident, so there is no need to shout at fellow bunch riders. A calm reminder to keep in line, not brake suddenly, etc. is all that is required. There is also no need to be aggressive or abusive toward other cyclists who may not be from KZN, or to motorists or other road users - even where such other persons are in the wrong!! Aggressive or abusive behaviour by any cyclists reflects badly on cycling in general! Moreover, it could lead to retaliatory conduct endangering the safety of other cyclists.
* CITING DANGEROUS PEOPLE - cycling together in bunches requires strict enforcement of discipline to ensure everybody's safety. Report to your Club Committee any incidents with motorists or cyclists where their actions endangered cyclists and where they were transgressing any road laws - provide facts and details ie. dates, registration numbers, motor description, witnesses, etc. Hopefully, your Club or ECPPA will trace the motorist and attempt to positively influence them to take more care. A database will be maintained so that more stringent action could be taken in the future eg. disciplinary measures against members or legal proceedings against motorists.
Points and Items to Remember
* HELMET - must be worn on all rides
* GLOVES AND GLASSES - are important and recommended protective gear
* ROAD WORTHINESS - of bicycles and equipment must be maintained
* LIGHTS (both front & rear ) - must be utilised whenever riding in the dark. Be visible to oncoming cars. It is recommended that rear "flashers" be used even in daytime to alert other road users to your presence.
* REFLECTORS (belts or anklets) - should be worn when riding in the dark in such a way that they are visible to traffic
* CELL PHONE - should be carried for safety in event of a breakdown, crash or getting lost etc. In an emergency you can phone 084 124 (ER24)
* ER 24 BAND - compulsory on all club rides - must be worn on the person and NOT on the bike. It ensures speedy identification, evacuation and treatment in an emergency
* IDENTIFICATION - wear your name on your helmet so that fellow cyclists can identify you and mark your bike with your name and phone number
* US THE 'BUDDY' SYSTEM - it's a good idea that every rider, at the start of a ride, ask another rider to be his "buddy" for that ride. Each rider should then ensure that his buddy is not left behind at any stage.
Good spirit in the province of KZN
* Promote a good cycling spirit in KZN by riding together and in your various club kits whenever possible. Greet fellow cyclists when you pass them, in a polite and friendly manner. Acknowledge patient and considerate conduct by motorists or other road users with a friendly "thank you" wave of the hand. Try to attend your club's social functions whenever possible or practicable!
* Particular care should be taken to make any visitors (from other provinces or countries) feel welcome. At the start of any ride, any visitor should be introduced and welcomed to everyone and ensure that they will be looked after.
* All cyclists are at all times are expected to treat other riders, motorists and other road users with the utmost respect. Any conduct that is unlawful, that may bring cycling (or any sponsors!) into disrepute or could be an embarrassment, is prohibited!
