Transporting bikes safely
With more and more South Africans taking up road or trail biking, the safe and correct transportation of a bicycle is an important topic.
JOHANNESBURG – This is according to Les McMaster, chairman of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA).
“Cyclists or mountain bikers often gather to ride in groups and this could mean transporting one or more bicycles to a designated meeting spot.
“While there are lots of ways to transport bikes, it’s important that they are secure and safe before hitting the road, not only for safety but for other motorists too,” he says.
He says it’s important to be aware of the road rules and associated legal obligations.
“Officials are well within their right to pull you over if your vehicle is not complying with road rules pertaining to transporting a bike.
“For example, your lights and number plate can’t be obscured by bikes – all of your lights need to be clearly visible and your number plate readable. Strictly they must be able to be seen from various directions, not just directly from the back.”
He adds that along with that your view cannot be obscured in any way including looking through the rear view mirror out of the back of the vehicle.
“Logically, but also legally, you can’t have an ‘unsafe load’, that is overloading the car, or failing to secure the bikes so that they could come loose or fall off the car. You also can’t load bikes onto the vehicle so they’re sticking out, which could cause an accident involving other vehicles, property or pedestrians.”
You also cannot exceed the maximum weight-bearing load for bike-carrying equipment, roof bars, tow bars, top or rear racks, and the load for your type of vehicle as specified by the manufacturers. This load value should be in your vehicle manual.
The safe roof carrying weight is nearly always specified, as is the tow bar load weight.
“When considering what type of carrier to use, make sure that the carrier makes sense with your vehicle. It should be quick and easy to set up, not interfering with your vehicle’s functionality in any way.
“For example, unless you have a large boot, the likelihood of fitting a bicycle in the boot is minimal and there’s a good chance you’ll damage the paintwork or boot or bicycle trying to get it in. Rather opt for a roof rack or tow bar mounting, knowing these items were designed to transport your bike safely and are worth the additional expense to make the trip hassle-free.”
He recommends speaking to your mechanic or visiting a MIWA workshop for advice on what carrier would work best for your vehicle.
