For as long as cyclists and other vehicles have coexisted, there’s been conflict on the roads globally. It’s a complicated relationship, with equal amounts of fear and fury. Chapman’s Peak Drive is no different – with a finite amount of space on the road to share – if there is a best practice solution to share the drive then surely everyone should try their best to share it? Sharing the road goes both ways, for safety reasons (and pure respect), especially on narrow twisting roads like Chapman’s Peak Drive.
Single File Rule
Entilini Operations appeals to cyclists to observe the single file rule and road closures whilst using Chappies. Signage and road markings have been amended or erected recently with message reminders to cyclists to stay in single file, in the hopes of co-operation. Unfortunately the signs on the booms at the plaza were too heavy and affected the boom mechanisms. Amendments to the sign or use of a lighter material is being investigated.
Legislation
Chappies is a toll road and is maintained as a shared resource for all road users. Regardless of which "group" you belong to, all users must adhere to the rules of the road as provided by Provincial and National legislation. Chapman's Peak Drive adheres to both sets of legislation and as Chappies is a unique route, comprising of a narrow winding mountain pass, it is essential that all road users adhere to the rules for safety reasons.
What does the SA law say?
- The National Traffic Act 93 of 1996 and the National Road Traffic Regulations 2000 promulgated on 17 March 2000 in Gov Gazette 20963 (as amended from time to time) includes the following bicycle-specific laws:
You must be seated on your saddle
You must ride in single file
You may not deliberately swerve from side to side
If you are riding on a public road where there is a bicycle lane, you must use that bicycle lane
Please share the road
We all love Chappies! Lets not compromise access or usage. There are few more beautiful spots in this gorgeous city of ours than Chapman's Peak Drive... the walkers, the runners, the cyclists, the Sunday Drivers, the tour buses, the gobsmacked self-drive visitors join the daily commuters on Chapman's Peak Drive for the sheer joy & pleasure of being there. Motorists please be reminded that the speed limit on Chapman's Peak Drive is 40km/hour and we ask you to stay wider of the rider. Cyclists please stay in single file. Please share the road. Like it or not – cyclists and vehicles have to get along on our beloved #Chappies because it matter too much not to.
Chapman’s Peak Drive Toll Plaza Office Hours:
The Toll Plaza is open Monday - Friday from 08h00 - 17h00 for registration as a Frequent User.
Address: Toll Plaza, Chapman’s Peak Drive, Hout Bay, Cape Town
Plaza Tel: 021 791 8220