Helderberg

"Pringle Bayer" writes: Over the past 10 years I have been using the R44 coastal road between Gordon's Bay and Rooi Els at least three times a week. In this period, I have either personally witnessed or come across a number of horrific road accidents involving motor vehicles, motorbikes and bicycles. Many of these accidents have resulted in the loss of life and/or serious injuries.

This road is dangerous. It is relatively narrow, sandwiched between the Kogelberg Mountain range and False Bay. There is virtually no margin for error: most of this road has no adequate yellow-line reserve or border for motorists to take evasive action, or for the dedicated and safe use by cyclists and pedestrians. I was therefore extremely pleased to read in your newspaper recently that the relevant road authorities have started a campaign to discourage the use of this road by cyclists. It is the responsible and wise approach to take.

Using a bicycle on this road is simply too dangerous and is, quite frankly, stupid. I would encourage the relevant road authorities to work towards a blanket and permanent prohibition of all bicycles on this stretch of road.

I was however, on the other hand, shocked and saddened by what can only be described as the irresponsible attitude and parochial reaction by a local municipal councillor to the steps taken by an expert like the relevant road engineer, to ensure the safety of all road users, including cyclist and motorists.

One would argue that the responsible approach for a servant of the public would have been to encourage members of civil society to heed the advice of municipal or provincial technical experts.

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