Bicycles and Mountain Bikes

Ten ways to keep your mountain bike safe when you travel

No Comments »Written on May 3rd, 2012 by jonckie
Categories: Bicycles and Mountain Bikes, Travel Insurance, Vehicle
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Jaco in Mountain Bike race captured on camera by Denese Lups/ Phototalk

It’s the height of race season, and mountain bikes and their owners are flying all over South Africa. Are you 100% confident you know how to get your bike from Point A to Point B on time, intact and undamaged? If not, here are MiWay’s top ten tips for stress-free travel with your bike.

1. Before anything else, check with your airline to find out what their rules and costs are for travelling with your bike. Every airline is slightly different, so do your homework to avoid delays and make sure your bike doesn’t get left on the tarmac.

2. Buy a bike bag. Most airlines insist on this, but even if they don’t it’s the best protection for your bike. You can get one for as little as R800 from most bike shops – a small investment considering what you’ve already spent on your bike! While you’re at it, get some bubble wrap to provide extra protection.

3. Learn how to pack your bike bag properly. Remember that baggage handlers are paid to move luggage fast, not carefully, so it’s up to you to protect your bike as thoroughly as possible.

4. Don’t forget to pack some tools so you can assemble your bike again easily at the other end.

5. Deflate your tyres to about half the normal pressure for the flight. This helps to avoid a blow-out in the depressurized hold, or any other damage to your tyres. You will need to re-inflate your tyres on the other side, of course: Pack your mini pump, or some CO2 canisters if your airline allows them (again, check first).

6. Don’t forget to put your name and contact details on your bike bag. It’s amazing how many people forget this simple step, but it can save hours of time as well as your blood pressure if anything goes astray.

7. Before you leave, find out the address and phone number of a convenient bike shop at your destination. Give yourself enough time to stop in if you want to buy CO2 canisters for your tyres, or stock up on any other last-minute items.

8. When you collect your bike at the airport, check it on the spot for any damage and report this immediately to the airline. Find out what procedures you need to follow to claim compensation and insist on getting a reference number or the name of the person you report to.

9. Make sure you’ve hired a car that is big enough for your bike bag as well as all your other luggage. Alternatively, if you plan to do this often, invest in a lightweight portable bike rack that you can take along with you.

10. Remember that no matter how careful you are, stuff happens – and choosing to travel without insurance can cost you dearly. If your bike isn’t already insured, insure it now. And even if it is, call your insurer to let them know you’ll be travelling with your bike, and to confirm that your bike is covered for theft, loss or accidental damage while in transit.

An hour or two of planning and careful packing is all it takes to protect your bike, your peace of mind and your bank balance. Enjoy the race!

On the Arrive Alive website there are 2 sections well worth of your attention:

Cycling safely on South African roads and mountain bike trails

Cycling Safety Suggestions for South African Conditions

Also view:

Mountain biking community warned to be alert of counterfeiters targeting cyclists

Mountain bikers warned to be alert to the threat of bike jacking in South Africa

Bicycle thief returns bike and says sorry with a bar of chocolate!

No Comments »Written on April 23rd, 2012 by jonckie
Categories: Bicycles and Mountain Bikes, Vehicle
Tags: , ,

For most owners of stolen bicycles there remains only the slightest bit of hope that their bikes may be found or returned. Perhaps we too often underestimate the power of a guilty conscience...! We found the following story from the Daily Mail in the UK:

"A thief has returned a bicycle with a note of apology - and a bar of Dairy Milk chocolate for the owner.

The £100 bike was snatched early last week from the hallway of a block of flats and shops. But a day after the woman owner reported the theft to police, it turned up again, in the exact spot it was taken from.

“The woman called us later when the bike was returned with what was basically a note of apology and a bar of Dairy Milk,” said a spokesman for Dumfries and Galloway Police.

He added that the case remained open but the owner, who is 32 and from Heathhall, may be asked if she wants it dropped. - Daily Mail

KZN’s Big 5 Mountain Bike Series secures two-year MiWay sponsorship

No Comments »Written on April 18th, 2012 by jonckie
Categories: Bicycles and Mountain Bikes, Vehicle
Tags: , , ,

Jaco Lups on a training ride. Photo from Phototalk

Direct insurer MiWay has signed a two-year sponsorship deal with Zululand’s Big 5 Mountain Bike Series, a major fixture on the annual KZN cycling calendar.

“We sponsored the Big 5 for the first time last year and are thrilled to have cemented a long-term relationship with this great team,” says MiWay’s Head of Marketing Carine Conradie-Haffejee. “The series is a perfect fit for our MTB sponsorship strategy. We have a long history with South Africa’s mountain biking community and we intend it to carry on growing and developing in future.”

The 2011 Big 5 was a great success, adds Conradie-Haffejee. “The KZN cycling community is enthusiastic and close-knit, and it was a great opportunity to get to know them. We expect this year to be an even greater success. They are hoping to attract even more riders from outside KZN, which will help to promote tourism in the wider Zululand area at the same time.”

In line with MiWay’s commitment to growing the sport and giving it more exposure, this year’s sponsorship includes funding video production, says Conradie-Haffejee. “High-quality TV footage means the series has a better chance of gaining more exposure, especially outside the KZN area.”

Started in 2006, the Big 5 series has grown rapidly. This year the event will again begin alongside the Zululand Outdoor and Fitness Expo at the Umfolozi Casino on May 12, with time trials and registration on the same day.

The series proper kicks off on May 13th with the Zini Estate Buffalo Classic in the coastal resort town of Mtunzini. The race offers spectacular views of the coast and forest, with both 25km and 50km rides as well as a 10km fun ride.

The Heatonville Leopard Classic follows on June 24th, with the Hluhluwe Rhino Charge on July 22nd, the Monzi Hippo Challenge on September 2nd and the Kwambo Lion on September 30th.

Riders can compete in any single race, or sign up for the Big 5 Challenge, which will rank riders according to their four best times.

For more information on the races, visit www.big5mtb.co.za, www.miwaymtb.co.za or the revamped MiWayMTB page on Facebook.

On the Arrive Alive website there are 2 sections well worth of your attention:

Cycling safely on South African roads and mountain bike trails

Cycling Safety Suggestions for South African Conditions

Also view:

Mountain biking community warned to be alert of counterfeiters targeting cyclists

Mountain bikers warned to be alert to the threat of bike jacking in South Africa

Bicycle insurance is needed to cover cyclists from more than just a fall!

No Comments »Written on March 10th, 2012 by jonckie
Categories: Bicycles and Mountain Bikes, Home and Household, Household, Q&A, Vehicle
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Thousands of cyclists are eagerly anticipating the start of the 35th Cape Argus Pick ‘n Pay Cycle Tour taking place in Cape Town tomorrow!

The 35000 participant 110 km Cycle Tour is the largest individually timed cycle race in the world. It is organised by the Pedal Power Association and the Rotary Club of Claremont, and monies raised from the entry fees are shared with community upliftment and cycling development projects, R3 million having been raised in 2011.   It is estimated that the Cycle Tour will contribute at least R500 million to the economy of the Western Cape, based on 2011 information.

Earlier this morning I smiles at the cartoon from my friend Deni Bown from Mama Taxi, focusing on the Cycle Tour as well. I deemed it appropriate to share a few thoughts on bicycle insurance, a topic well understood by most professional cyclists, yet not as well by most social cyclists.

What do we need to cover with Bicycle insurance?

If we look at the range of bicycles available today we can easily see why this has become such a valuable asset in the eyes of both cyclists and criminals. The best bicycles are to be found in a price range as high as many small motor vehicles!

We have also shared in a few earlier posts reports on the alarming increase in bicycle hijackings in South Africa. This threat is not one to be expected at an organized event – but there are many other risks...

The cyclist needs cover when racing, training, riding socially and also when transporting his bicycle!

Photo during cycle race by Denese Lups

So what are these risks to the owner of a bicycle?

-          Accidental damage and loss

-          Hijacking

-          Theft

-          Fire

-          Personal accident and liability

Both cyclists and bicycles needs to be protected

On the Arrive Alive website we have shared information and advice on cycling safety and placed a special focus on the safety of cyclists in uniquely South African conditions.

It is important to recognize the vulnerability of cyclists especially when sharing the road with many other road users. You may need to ensure that you have more than just protective clothing to protect you in the accidental fall!

Different bikes and different cycling codes may require special bicycle insurance

Keep in mind that we are all unique and our needs differ. The following questions may guide us to establishing what the specific needs are:

-Do you ride only socially or as a professional cyclist?

-Do you have an average bike or some kind of carbon –fibre “wunderbike”?

-Do you simply need coverage in the event that the bike is stolen from your garage or do you need comprehensive cover for the risks of falling from a major drop while doing mountain bike racing?

-Do you plan to take your bike overseas with you?

Advice and suggestions on bicycle insurance

Treat the insurance of your bike with the necessary attention it deserves! We would like to advise the following:

-Scrutinize your insurance policy and focus on the small details.

- In many cases, your household insurance can be upgraded to include coverage for bicycles.

-You may need to upgrade the value of your policy to provide adequate cover and specify your bicycle on the policy to make sure your Insurer will cover you.

- Enquire as to under what circumstances you are and aren’t covered.

-Pay specific attention to travel insurance and whether your bicycle is insured while travelling.

- If so, make sure you have adequate coverage for your bike as a single item and understand if there are exclusions you need to be aware of.

- Pay attention to the policies of Airlines with regard to lost / damaged baggage. Any single item is likely to only be covered to a certain amount by them and, subject to being adequately labelled and appropriately packaged.

-Ask if your insurance will cover your bicycle when you are taking it abroad

What do I need to know about insurance and participating in an event?

Most events will have stipulations and waivers you will find when entering the race. As part of your participation fee to enter many organised racing and participation rides it should generally cover public liability costs. Some will have a waiver clause and you should be aware of any waiver you sign and what it means for you.

Conclusion:

Always compare the options and listen to other participants and ask them for advice. Cyclists are most often a friendly bunch eager to assist one another with the best advice. It is well worth the conversation to ask them how they are insured and why.

May you cycle with the peace of mind that you only need to fear someone passing you by on the road!

On the Arrive Alive website there are 2 sections well worth of your attention:

Cycling safely on South African roads and mountain bike trails

Cycling Safety Suggestions for South African Conditions

Also view:

Mountain biking community warned to be alert of counterfeiters targeting cyclists

Mountain bikers warned to be alert to the threat of bike jacking in South Africa

Photo during cycle race by Denese Lups

Mountain bikers urged to respect safety of pedestrians on nature walks

No Comments »Written on December 3rd, 2011 by jonckie
Categories: Bicycles and Mountain Bikes, Vehicle
Tags: , , ,

Jaco Lups on a Training Ride

The Arrive Alive website received an interesting email from a concerned citizen pleading for greater attention to the safety of pedestrians on nature walks. It appears that in some areas there may be a threat to the safety of especially our elderly pedestrians where they share these pathways with the adrenaline seeking mountain bikers.

Herewith the email:

"I happen to live on an Eco Estate in KZN and there are many residents that have raised concern and discontent by the developer using nature walk trails through the estate that will be used by elderly people and children to be used in future by mountain bikers on the residential estate. While one recognises the need for cycling it has been stated that they should restrict this to peremiter or dedicated paths and not use the same paths for pedestrians and nature walks as well as mountain bikers. The risk of injury is too high. They chose to ignore these appeals.

I have given my input on the line of the above but need someone else who may assist in bringing this matter objectively in perspective and not risking injury or lives. The impact of a biker on a pedestrian on a path especially elderly or child is bound to be tragic. Kind regards Don Smart (Adv) Guide to motor law SA."

Conclusion and Advice:

This is unfortunately something to be taken up with the developers and management of these Eco Estates and Gated Communities. As private property owners they will be responsible for traffic calming in these areas!

We would like to urge all road users to respect the right to safety of other road users as well!

On the Arrive Alive website there are 2 sections well worth of your attention:

Cycling safely on South African roads and mountain bike trails

Cycling Safety Suggestions for South African Conditions

For insurance and safety alerts to cyclist also view:

Mountain Biking Community Warned To Be Alert Of Counterfeiters Targeting Cyclists

Mountain Biking Community Warned To Be Alert Of Counterfeiters Targeting Cyclists

Mountain Biking Community Warned To Be Alert Of Counterfeiters Targeting Cyclists

Entries open for OUTsurance KZN Mountain Bike Expedition

No Comments »Written on November 3rd, 2011 by jonckie
Categories: Bicycles and Mountain Bikes, Insurance Sponsorship
Tags: , ,

Jaco Lups captured on camera during training

Less tar, even more single track in 2011 KZN Expedition

Entries are now open for the fourth edition of the OUTsurance KZN Expedition, presented by ASG. The event takes place on 12 November, yes a Saturday, this year and a wonderful off-road experience awaits participants in the popular event. To enter go to www.cyclelab.com

The Expedition presents an awe-inspiring route from Inanda Dam, through the Valley of a Thousand Hills to the Durban beachfront.

The event has become known for its strong organisational effort among very tough surroundings which present riders with a unique mountain bike adventure that is rivalled by very few other single day MTB events in South Africa.

This year Trail Solutions, under the guidance of Devlin Fogg, has designed a cracker route, with both the 40km and 80km races starting at Inanda Dam, placing you directly in the heart of the best single track riding in South Africa at the moment.

The 80km route will leave Inanda Dam’s Msinisi resort and make its way clockwise around the dam on stunning natural trails, kilometers of hand cut single track and some district road to meet the 40km route below the dam wall.

At times, riders will be mere meters from the water’s edge on the amazing new trail. Not to be confused with the SA champs, this route cuts out all the serious hills around the dam.

The 40km route leaves Msinsi and makes its way anti clockwise towards the dam wall, with some honest climbs while the legs are fresh. From the high point above the dam the views over the dam are amazing and with the climbs out the way, its heads down and charge towards Kingfisher Club at Blue Lagoon in Durban.

This year will see even less tar sections from the dam down, with some great new sections of trail being built, along with one very special surprise!

We are also in negations to take out the pesky river crossings this year, which will make a huge difference to the route. More on this to come.

The Expedition provides mountain-bikers with an easy-as-you’d-like experience off the bike, but in the same breath representing the essence of the sport when you’re out there testing yourself against the naturally beautifully sculpted routes and nature’s elements.

OUTsurance KZN Expedition Race Route Description

80km Route

>From Msinsi, riders proceed up the tar and then onto district dirt roads.

We head up a few hills to split the riders before the single track starts.

After riding through some traditional homes and past the Bongampilo Creche, we start to get the first of the dam side trails, all the way to the top of the dam.

Down the north side of the dam, riders will experience some of the best trails in SA, with mainly single track all the way to the bridge below the dam.

Along this section, riders will be treated to winding single track through natural bush, just meters from the water’s edge, with stunning views across the dam.

Passing eNanda Adventures, the last bit of single track takes us to the bridge below the dam wall.

See below link-up with 40km route.

40km Route

>From Inanda Dam Msinsi Resort the 40km continues up Ngwele Road turning off to the left to the school.

The route climbs up to top of Inanda dam wall before descending down to the road crossing at Inanda Dam Wall Bridge.

Continue on and off the road next to the river, crossing over Molweni Causeway and Island Rapid and onto what will be one of the best surprises of the race this year.

This section of the race will see some of the most focused in terms of new routes, with the Mango crossing being eliminated, bringing you to Silver pipes bridge.

Continue on dirt road along river to join our golf ball alley single track, under the N2 through the Motorcross track, through Windsor golf course to Kingfisher Canoe Clu

Job well done!

To enter and for more information go to www.cyclelab.com, contact 011 662 2494 or email events@cyclingnews.co.za

Starting times:

80km: 6:30

40km: 7:00

Number collection:

Cycle Lab Durban North:

Friday 11 November: 9:00 – 17:00

Inanda Dam:

Saturday 12 November: 5:30 – 6:30 (Riders are urged to rather pick up their numbers at Cycle Lab to avoid the morning rush)

Entry fees:

80km: R190

40km: R150

On-line entries close 8 November at 23:00.

Timed by Elite Timing. All riders will receive a number board specifically issued for the Expedition.

Depending on the size of the field, riders will be seeded if necessary.

For further info phone the central race office on 011 662 2494 or email events@cyclingnews.co.za

On the Arrive Alive website there are 2 sections well worth of your attention:

Cycling safely on South African roads and mountain bike trails

Cycling Safety Suggestions for South African Conditions

For insurance and safety alerts to cyclist also view:

Mountain Biking Community Warned To Be Alert Of Counterfeiters Targeting Cyclists

Mountain Biking Community Warned To Be Alert Of Counterfeiters Targeting Cyclists

Some cyclists need insurance more than others!

No Comments »Written on September 28th, 2011 by jonckie
Categories: Bicycles and Mountain Bikes, Vehicle
Tags: , , , ,

A regular visitor to the Arrive Alive road safety website shared a video titled "best cyclist". I could not resist sharing this on the Insurance Chat Blog as well!

On the Arrive Alive website there are 2 sections well worth of your attention:

Cycling safely on South African roads and mountain bike trails

Cycling Safety Suggestions for South African Conditions

For insurance and safety alerts to cyclist also view:

Mountain Biking Community Warned To Be Alert Of Counterfeiters Targeting Cyclists

Stay on the right track when buying and insuring your bike

No Comments »Written on August 24th, 2011 by jonckie
Categories: Bicycles and Mountain Bikes, Q&A, Vehicle
Tags: , , , ,

Jaco Lups on a Training Ride

So, you love getting out on the open road and pushing your body to the limit as you tackle the steep inclines of the city’s highways and byways? Or maybe you love the thrill of pitting your skills against nature as you navigate boulders, bushes and gloriously grubby mud puddles? Either way, if cycling’s in your blood we know how much you love your bike and all the bits that go with it.

The downside is, so do all the peddlers of fake cycling goods. These nasties are waiting in the wings to sell you fake bikes, rubbish rip-offs and even, in some cases, bikes stolen in bikejackings. Unfortunately, that’s the reality of this lucrative sport, where bikes and accessories fetch a pretty penny both online and in-store.

But buying fake cycling goods can land you in hot water, particularly with your insurer.

Too good to be true

Beware of cheap and nasty goods sold online or through ‘freelance merchants’. For example, if a Pinarello Dogma frame costs 100USD on an Asian-based website compared to the R50 000 price tag in a local bike shop, chances are it’s a fake. And if that offer from the nice guy who’s selling the bike of your dreams seems too good to be true, it probably is.

These scenarios are common, but if you buy a fake bike and intentionally insure it as the real deal, you’re committing insurance fraud and that comes with serious consequences.

‘I had no idea…’

Con artists are good at their game and being duped into buying an expensive bike that’s actually a fake does happen. But what happens when you insure that bike, not knowing it’s fake? Well, when the time to comes to claim, your insurer will follow normal procedures as with any high-value claim and ask for things like your proof of purchase to validate ownership. If you’re claiming against damage to the bike, they may also ask you to bring the bike in to verify its originality.

At this point, if your seemingly genuine bike turns out to be fake, your insurer is only obligated to pay out an amount based on the estimated value of the fake, and not on an original’s replacement value.

Proof of ownership

When taking out insurance on your bike, your insurer will ask you to verify proof of ownership. If you can’t get an original invoice/purchase order or proof of ownership, simply take your bike to a reputable bike shop and ask them for a replacement quote. You can then submit this along with a photo of the bike to your insurer. Also remember to record the serial numbers found on the frame and keep these safe, as in most cases the manufacturer will be able to verify the authenticity of the bike.

Keep these tips in mind when buying and insuring your bike:

• Don’t buy counterfeit goods
• Don’t buy goods from untrusted sources
• Be aware of cheap bikes and accessories, particularly from unknown overseas manufacturers
• Write down your bike’s serial numbers, and keep these safe
• Don’t be tempted to insure a fake item at the original replacement cost – you won’t be paid out in the event it gets damaged or stolen
• Always keep your proof of ownership and submit this along with your claim to save time
• If you’re not sure of your bike’s authenticity, take it to an approved bike agent and ask them to verify its originality
• Always be honest with your insurer

[Info by By Max Huggins, MiWay head of claims]

On the Arrive Alive website there are 2 sections well worth of your attention:

Cycling safely on South African roads and mountain bike trails

Cycling Safety Suggestions for South African Conditions

Also view:

Mountain biking community warned to be alert of counterfeiters targeting cyclists

Mountain bikers warned to be alert to the threat of bike jacking in South Africa

MiWayMTB and TREAD team up to offer MTB skills clinics

No Comments »Written on August 19th, 2011 by jonckie
Categories: Bicycles and Mountain Bikes, Motorbikes and Motorcycles, Q&A, Vehicle
Tags: , , ,

Jaco Lups on a training ride

In an effort to improve the South African mountain biking experience even further, MiWayMTB, the mountain bike initiative driven by direct insurer MiWay, has teamed up with TREAD Magazine’s very successful skills improvement initiative.

Started in April 2010, TREAD Skills Clinics have helped improve the skills of hundreds of mountain bikers through a combination of improved control, comfort and confidence.

According to MiWayMTB’s Carine Conradie, the clinics are designed to equip mountain biking enthusiasts with the skills they need to safely enjoy the sport. “TREAD editor, Sean Badenhorst, and his team will provide riders with tips and techniques to help maximise their performance while making the whole experience as enjoyable – and as painless – as possible,” says Conradie.

The clinics cater for newcomers and more experienced riders looking to sharpen their technical skills and improve specific performance areas. The clinics are broken into two levels, 101 and 201 in order to cover all the relevant areas of importance. Once a rider has graduated from a 101 level, he or she may then, after some weeks of practising, attend a 201 clinic. A Confidence Clinic will be also introduced for those brand new to mountain biking.

“Mountain biking enjoyment and fulfillment can only really be achieved when you have the confidence to tackle the various trail or race obstacles such as ruts, roots, rocks, drop-offs, steep ascents and descents etc,” says Badenhorst.. “Our clinics are designed to teach mountain bikers the correct technique to be able to conquer these obstacles and are appropriate for all mountain bikers. Our clinics are also very popular with road cyclists converting to mountain biking.”

To participate in TREAD Skills Clinics, presented by MiWayMTB, simply email info@treadmag.co.za or visit www.mtb.miway.co.za for more information. You can also join the MiWayMTB Facebook fan page on www.facebook.com/miwaymtb

On the Arrive Alive website there are 2 sections well worth of your attention:

Cycling safely on South African roads and mountain bike trails

Cycling Safety Suggestions for South African Conditions

Also view:

Mountain biking community warned to be alert of counterfeiters targeting cyclists

Mountain bikers warned to be alert to the threat of bike jacking in South Africa

Mountain bikers warned to be alert to the threat of bike jacking in South Africa

2 commentsWritten on August 7th, 2011 by jonckie
Categories: Bicycles and Mountain Bikes, Household, Legal, Q&A, Vehicle
Tags: , , , ,

Evacuation of cyclist from off road track

It is with quite some interest that I followed the screening of Carte Blanche on DSTV and the programme on hijacking of mountain bikes - also known as bike jacking. Even in Bloemfontein there have recently been cases reported of young mountain bikers held at knife point and their bikes taken from them!

The safety of all road users has always been important for the developers of the Arrive Alive road safety website. This applies not only to drivers, passengers and pedestrians on our tarred roads, but also includes a focus on cycling, mountain biking, quad bike riding and 4x4 vehicle safety.

Mountain biking has enormous tourism potential for South Africa and we need to ensure that enthusiast can enjoy this sport in safety!

Mountain Bikers and Safety

It is with great concern that we have noted the targeting by criminals of our mountain biking community and would like to share some suggestions with mountain bikers from our Road Safety Partner Ctrack:

- Plan and know your route before you get on your bike.

Try to plan ahead so that you know where you’re going before you leave. Do your best to avoid roads and areas that are known to be dangerous, either because they are high accident or high crime spots. If you’re a mountain biker, head for one of the country’s many secure mountain biking trails rather than they trying to find your own way through the hills and koppies. Cycling clubs and experienced cyclists can be invaluable sources of route advice.

- Dress for safety and visibility

Wear reflective and fluorescent clothing to ensure that other vehicles can easily  see you, wear a good helmet that fits you properly and cover your eyes with sunglasses or other protective eyewear to shield them against dirt, winds and insects.

- Cycle in groups

Sadly, hijackings and robberies of cyclists on urban roads and mountain trails are on the rise. Travel with at least five or more other cyclists to reduce your risk of falling prey to armed criminals.

- Be prepared with the right equipment

Ensure your bike is in good repair before you hit the road – check gears, tires, brakes and so on before you saddle up.

It’s a good idea to take a puncture repair kit with you so that you won’t need to push your bike 30 kilometres if you ride over a nail on a remote rural road. And take a cheap, fully-charged cellphone and some emergency cash along with you as well.

A personal tracking device such as Ctrack ICE (In Case of Emergency) can also enhance your safety. A cellphone and personal tracking device all-in-one, this light and compact device allows you to call Ctrack operator, who will in turn send the relevant emergency services to your exact location when there’s an emergency.

- Avoid night rides

It’s usually a good idea to avoid cycling at night because the dangers you face from both criminals and careless motorists multiply as soon as the sun sets. Be aware that the light at sunrise or sunset might blind drivers so that they don’t see you on the side of the road – be especially careful at these times of the day.

Mountain Biker Jaco Lups on a practise ride

- Be alert to road conditions

Keep your eyes peeled at all times, whether you’re cycling on the streets or mountain biking. On the roads, look out for drivers who seem to be behaving recklessly, potholes, speed bumps, and debris, since any of these can cause you a nasty accident.

- Let someone know where you are going

If you’re planning a long ride, especially by yourself or in a small group, tell someone where you are going, which route you will be taking and when you expect to be back. This will ensure that someone will come looking for you if you’ve had a nasty fall in a donga or a collision with a car while you’re out on your bike.

On the Arrive Alive website there are 2 sections well worth of your attention:

Cycling safely on South African roads and mountain bike trails

Cycling Safety Suggestions for South African Conditions

Also view:

Mountain biking community warned to be alert of counterfeiters targeting cyclists

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