Mandla Magome
15 February 2014
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When did you first start cycling regularly, and why?
I started over 18 months ago, sometime in October 2012. I have always wanted to free myself from being dependant on motorized transport especially the cost of petrol and car ownership.
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How do your family/friends feel about you cycling
My wife is very supportive. She even offered to start a commuting blog for me.
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Do you feel cycling is dangerous? Why or why not?
No. It is only dangerous when a truck passes too close. Taking less risks reduces the danger. I added an extra 5km on my route to avoid busy sections.
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How do you feel about cycling? Why?
Cycling is my life. I waited 24 years to get myself a bicycle. The one my father bought me wasn’t properly assembled and I only rode it for 6 months and stopped since I couldn’t afford a puncture kit and new tyres. Now I ride every day and everywhere. It feels like I`m flying to work… Especially when I`m passing cars stuck in traffic on Marlboro Drive.
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How do you interact with other traffic on the road?
I smile at the kids sitting in the back and I refrain from pulling Zap signs at bad drivers. I did it once and the driver gave me thumbs up. That calmed me down quick.
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What is the thing you like least about commuting by bicycle, and what is it you like best about it?
My route home has a category 4 climb on a very quiet narrow road. I fear one day I might be a target for an opportunistic criminal; that’s assuming they can run over 20km/h up a 4% gradient incline for 1km.
The best thing about commuting: I`m not paying anything for this trip to work and back. I also sold my wife’s car and gave her my car.
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Do you feel that being a cyclist has changed your life? If so, how?
Definitely! After commuting for these 18 months, I decided to take my riding to the next level by commuting to Limpopo to join my family at my parent’s in-law’s house.
Started at Bronkhorstspruit and ended up in Lebowakgomo just 60km from my destination. It is possible to ride 220 odd km in 2 days and not have a single incident with cars. I am stronger because of cycling.
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Does your employer encourage cycling? If so, how?
The company doesn’t encourage cycling or going green on a serious note but the staff members are very accommodating. I have had many people pledge to give me a lift if I ever need one. The company also has two solar powered showers in the men and women`s bathrooms.
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Do you think your city can become a bicycle friendly city? How?
I think the people driving in the city can become more cyclist friendly. They are already very accommodating. Some of them smile when they see me. I only spend about 6km of my 15km route on busy roads. On all the occasions that I encounter taxis, it has been pleasant. Sometimes they even give me a sharp sharp. What we really need is a transport system that allows us to travel with our bicycles without having to disassemble them. This will allow people who live 30 – 60km from work to also commute a portion of the route by bike.