“PPCC Communication”
March 2021
Hi all….Welcome to the March 2021 edition of the PPCC Communication.
February 2021:
February has been reasonably kind to the group with most riding days being provided with great weather. Yes a couple of windy days but most with the sun shining. Still we have those three groups heading off at different times but hopefully we will get more numbers for the 9:00am group and see them take the longer Abattoirs Road course.
Interesting to listen to the topics covered at coffee after each ride. It appears nothing is ‘off the table’ and it gets very exhausting solving the world’s problems. ‘lol’
Unfortunately COVID-19 is still with us which means social distancing of 1.5m both while at gatherings after rides and during each club ride. Yes, we are allowed to ride two abreast but 1.5m apart so think about where that puts you out on the highway during a ride.
Membership Fees:
PPCC Membership fees are now due. Single $20, Pensioner $10 payable to the Treasurer.
Whyalla Cycle Club – Crystal Brook 60km Cycle Road Race:
We have been asked if we (PPCC) would like to participate in the WCC’s 2021 ‘Crystal Brook 60km Road Race’. Their first Crystal Brook road race was held in 2019 as a ‘Race/Come Try’ event where the PPCC was well represented. I believe the 2021 event is currently being discussed at this month’s Whyalla Cycle Club meeting and if given the ‘green light’ it is likely to be sometime in August. Watch this space and as soon as we have more details and a date I will let everyone know. Its only 5 months away so…….start training for the 60km journey.
RAA Magazine, February 2021:
An interesting article on cycling in the February 2021 addition of the RAA magazine. Although the first section relates to Adelaide, it still has a message for all cyclists.
“Cycling survey prompts calls for calm.
Cyclists’ biggest concerns on the road revealed.
Almost 3 quarters of cyclists on Adelaide roads have been the target of road rage, while 81% have been cut off by cars despite having priority, an RAA survey has revealed. About 470 cyclists were surveyed in late 2020 as part of RAA’s inaugural Risky Rides campaign, with almost 2 in 3 saying they’ve had a car door opened directly in front of them. An astounding 39% have been knocked off their bike by a vehicle. RAA Senior Manager of Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain said the survey responses were alarming. “All road users need to be patient and obey the rules in order to arrive safely at their destination,’’ Mr Mountain said. “Cyclists are particularly vulnerable, so motorists must do their best to be aware of them on the road. “Cyclists should ensure they wear high visibility clothing and an appropriate safety helmet.’’ Tragically, 2518 cyclists were injured and 26 lost their lives in road crashes between 2015 and 2019, according to the latest SAPOL figures. Since the introduction of road rules requiring drivers to keep a minimum distance when passing cyclists, the number of cycling crashes has fallen from 583 in 2015 to 498 in 2019. While travelling up to 60 km/h, drivers must keep a 1m gap when passing cyclists. Above 60km/h, the required gap extends to 1.5m. Most Risky Rides survey respondents said they actively avoid major roads without cycle lanes (85%) and avoid travelling during peak hour (58%). Almost half said they avoid large roundabouts.” (RAA Magazine, Jeremy Rochow, Thursday, 11 February, 2021)
Related article in the same RAA edition. (Edited)
“6 tips for safer cycling.
Safety a priority as new cycling festival rolls into town.
Every January sees South Australia swept up in a cycling spin, and 2021 is no different with the 6-day Santos Festival of Cycling – an exhilarating new event stepping in to replace the Tour Down Under this year – in full swing.
If all this cycling talk makes you want to dust off your treadly, strap on your helmet and take a ride, you’re not alone. But before you head off, it’s best you brush up on some bike safety tips.
On the road:
Over the past 4 years, 21 cyclists have lost their lives on South Australian roads. All road users need to play their part to prevent further fatalities or injuries. When driving, maintain a minimum distance of 1m when passing a cyclist where the speed limit is 60km/h or lower, and a distance of 1.5m where the speed limit is higher.
Drivers also need to watch out for cyclists when turning at intersections and junctions, as well as when they’re parked on the side of a road. When parked and opening your driver’s door, always check for approaching cyclists. If passengers need to get out on the right-hand side, remind them to check for approaching cyclists too.
Tip: use your left hand to open the door when getting out of the right side of your car. This forces you to turn around and makes it easier to spot approaching cyclists and cars. Here are some more simple steps we can take to protect cyclists on the road.
1. Be seen:
If you’re cycling at night, you legally need a front white light and a rear red light. Failure to fit these could see you slapped with a $60 fine and a $60 Victims of Crime Levy. It’s also a good idea to wear bright coloured clothing so you’re visible to other road users. Making sure you’re visible at night is important, but did you know that dawn and dusk are risky times as well? Here’s why.
At dawn and dusk, the sun is low on the horizon, making it tricky for motorists and cyclists to see. Lights and reflectors are good, but you can’t necessarily rely on them to make you visible. Make sure you ride predictably and keep to bike lanes if they’re available.
2. Be a courteous road user:
This is the responsibility of all road users. We all need to share the road and common courtesy doesn’t cost a cent. If a motorist does something considerate, like letting you cross in front of them, give them a quick wave to say thank you. The same applies for drivers. There’s no need to be aggressive towards cyclists if you’re having trouble passing them on a narrow road.
3. Be alert:
While you’re cycling on the road, you want to be aware of your surroundings and potential dangers, whether it’s a motorist turning left and failing to see you or a driver veering into the bike lane. It may be tempting to listen to some tunes through headphones during your morning commute, but they can drown out the outside world. Headphones can stop you from hearing a cyclist who’s trying to pass or a car beeping you to alert you of danger. When cycling, try to keep your ears music-free. They’ve got a much more important job to do.” (RAA Magazine, Jeremy Rochow, 22 June, 2020)
BH:…These articles are nothing new to us as cyclists but it is comforting to know that the conversation on ‘cycling safely/safety’ continues even if it is only the Adelaide side of Gepps Cross. We all know too well what impact a cycling tragedy can have!
BikeSA:
Please check your BikeSA memberships as you may find it is up for renewal. Renewal can be completed on the BikeSA website, by phone or ‘snail mail’. As per previous years, forward your receipt to our Treasurer for reimbursement of the fees. As a Bike SA member you can participate in their organised rides. Contact Bike SA or check their web site. (08 8168 9999) (office@bikesa.asn.au)
Have your say:
This is your newsletter as well so email your article to me and I will add it to the monthly newsletters and our web site. Ie: Coming events, cycling news articles, items for sale/wanted etc. Please email me anything you would like to contribute’.
Be safe, consider others and enjoy your riding.
Cheers,
Brenton
0417823057
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