2oceans Vibe

Just quietly get a load of this video of mountain biker, Evan van der Spuy of Team Jeep South Africa, getting taken out.

It’s COMPLETELY off the charts! The guy’s lucky he was wearing a helmet.

Click ‘Continue Reading’ below to see the video. Continue Reading

This morning I spotted yet another cyclist going through a red traffic light on Somerset Road in Green Point. I drove alongside the cyclist (after the light had turned green) and I asked him who exactly he thought he was. The guy completely freaked out and told me, categorically, that the law states that cyclists may go through red traffic lights. I didn’t get his name, but his photo is above (taken at the next set of traffic lights, after he told me that cyclists may legally go through reds).

So whoever you are, I would like to direct you to these two links, here and here, outlining road traffic law, stating that cyclists may NOT ride through red traffic lights, nor may they ride next to each other on the road. It’s single-file, buddy. Not that we want to ruin your fun, as you chat to your buddies. But if you insist on maintaining such delusional arrogance to believe that you are actually above the law, then maybe we should be treating you like a child?

Can you believe it? He said he had been cycling for eight years and he should therefore have a better understanding of what the law states.

Turns out you’re wrong. And you’re arrogant. And you’re delusional. And you’re breaking the law. And your balls are showing. But more importantly, you’re setting a bad example for young children who watch you going through reds and cannot wait to get their first bicycle, so they can do the same. It’s a pity, because you’re ruining it for the other cyclists out there who are obeying the law.

So to answer our persistent question: YES, cyclists actually DO believe they’re above the law.

Local cyclists concerned about how some people treat them on the road, should take note of a new initiative launched overseas. The ‘Give Respect, Get Respect’ campaign in Philadelphia, is aimed at socially unacceptable behaviour – something we have been quite vocal about here at 2oceansvibe.

The Give Respect, Get Respect campaign aimed at promoting and enforcing the peaceful coexistence of motorists, cyclists and pedestrians is kicking into gear and has started cracking down on bicyclists.

A traffic-enforcement team of bike cops stopped 803 cyclists and motorists from its May 16 launch. Of those, 600 were cyclists.

Of the cyclists stopped, 590 were issued warnings, while three were cited for moving violations, which commonly include running red lights or riding against traffic and carry the same fine as they do for motorists.

[more here]

Do you understand that? It’s about respect. It’s about give and take. It’s about, dare I say, karma. Essentially, this issue is a two way street.

A similar campaign has been launched in New Zealand. See more at the stopatred.org.nz website.

Much like local taxis receiving a blanket hate from most motorists, when in fact there are a handful of polite taxi drivers out there; there is a LARGE handful (note: not all) of local cyclists who insist on cycling through red traffic lights. You guys are ruining it for everyone else. Why are YOU so different? Why don’t YOU care if children see what you’re doing and want to do the same on their first modes of transport? You know why?

But then you moan when some people treat you like shit on the road? Please – you don’t have a leg to stand on. Do you think these desperate initiatives would be launching all over the world if you were in the right? If you weren’t such a selfish prick?

So, to the cyclists out there ruining it for everyone else – Give respect and you’ll get respect.

Continue Reading

“But this is CYCLING!”, I hear you blurt, rusk crumbs embedding themselves in your computer screen. “You guys don’t LIKE cyclists!” That said, Danny MacAskill is no prawn. He’s a stylish, skilled athlete, and he makes the infrastructure of our beloved city look oh-so-fine.

The Silly Season is no better on display than in the hub of silliness, Camps Bay. Our brothers and sisters from the north have arrived, with their vests and muscles and costume jewelry. It’s quite beautiful to watch, my china! I took a little video clip of the action and you just won’t believe what I caught on tape, cycling past.

Spotting a prawn in full attire with a helmet on, in a public place, will alarm even the most relaxed individual. But imagine how it felt for Nick H, as he wandered through Media24′s reception area and was presented with THIS! In his own workplace! Poor thing.

The irony of the ‘No Firearms’ sign (a far lesser offense) was not lost on us.

Spotted just this weekend by a 2oceansviber at Canal Walk. Not only is our boy wearing a helmet indoors in a public space – but he has also mounted the middle bar of the bicycle, as he attempts to chill-out and shoot-the-breeze with a fellow Canal Walker. Less than ideal..

[thanks calvyn]

21 November 2010: Race winner Nic White kisses his wife Diane White during the Momentum 94.7 Cycle Challenge on 21 November 2010 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Besides the sweat, Lycra, and helmets, two things in particular are troubling here. The creeper in the shades, and the delighted child. [Image: Gallo]