Toll Gates

Does anybody know what the status is currently with the negotiations?
Greeting
Rudi

Not a clue as to the latest. Somehow I don't think there is enough incentive to do anything about it. Maybe it is time for the bikers to resort to mass action and block the tolls

And we do not even have to be unfriendly about it. Arrange a mass ride to Durban (with the help of Think Bike) over a long week-end.

We warn the cage drivers that we are going to do it and why and we block the roads at the start of the long week-end and at the end.

We can even get assistance from the local towns along the alternative route to arrange refreshments etc. for the weary cage travelers who will not be able to use the Ultra Cities etc. - much like the ride to the Carolina Rhino Rally was for motorcycles. They had braaivleis at the smallest garages, music and whatnot.

Quoted from Wilddog forum:

"Re: Why do we pay the same as cagers at the toll gates « Reply #44 on: Yesterday at 08:58:15 AM »

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Quote from: BlueBull2007 on August 19, 2008, 07:04:56 PM
WHAT about these "Think Bike" people, isnt this something they should be pushing?

In fact, "these Think Bike people" are working on this. We have met with SANRAL and the DoT on a number of issues and the toll rates is one of two critical issues on the agenda.

Progress has not been too impressive, but we have been approached by another roleplayer and will be meeting them soon to see how we can approach this thing together.

SANRAL is overhauling their tolling system and there is a vague hope that it will include reduced rates for bikes, but we're not holding our breath about that.

So, the short answer is "Yes, us Think Bike people are working on this".

And that is why I won't take part in any mass action on this and why I will not "skiet" a tollgate, although it really, really irks me to pay the same as a guy with a Land Cruiser VX towing his 2,5-tonne speedboat."

I would like to say thanks to the Think Bike People for at least trying. And please if I can help or assist just say so

I have been fortunate enough to travel by bike in California in the USA. I was very impressed with the way they handled bikes at the toll gates at the time. There was a special lane, just wide enough for bikes on the side of the tollgate, where bikers could go through without paying. This was in 1993, so I am not sure if things changed since then and if other states have the same system Maybe something our local guys can consider

Henk wrote:I would like to say thanks to the Think Bike People for at least trying. And please if I can help or assist just say so

Maybe offer your help on the Think Bike forum. They always looking for volunteers for various events.

http://www.tbforum.co.za/

I've also heard the following:
There was a vehicle towing a trailer loaded with 5 bikes, returning from a Rally.
The question is: Why does a single bike have to pay the same amount as in the example above ???

Will definatly offer my services, thanks for the info

The best solution - avoid toll-roads and take the by-ways - much more scenic and the chance of speedies are much less.

Ususaly the best roads to take is the back roads. Cant wait for Saturday Me the Bike and all the Sabie/Nelspruit roads

Yep, I agree, the roads less travelled are for me and they definately don't have toll gates (nowadays just pot holes!)

One reason why I also use the scenic route, at the tollgate I have to "undress" to get to the money. Drive throagh and dress again. Potholes I just have to dodge

When we did the trip to Cape Town vie Umtata we found that the only pot holes were in the towns and that the open roads were not bad at all. We also prefer the scenic route - except when it gets dark and we are caught on the road - then we stick to the national roads.

The other thing is that we try and stay close to the toll roads just in case we need some refeshments. We are not very fond of the toilets that are locked with a key and a huge oil tin to ensure that nobody cleans the toilets by accident.

Is the toll fee linked only to the damage done by the vehicle to the road surface If yes, certainly bikes should be charged less, if no, maybe still elss, but how much

Hi 2 all
I don't mind paying, but the fact that it is difficult to get your money ready is the problem. First you have to take of the gloves...., while the guy behind you gets impatient.
Toll Gates are not Bike friendly!

Regards
Rudi

Especialy in winter as the cloves is thicker and you have to undress to get to the bucks. Pta around is okay as they have etag but futher away habla niks

Maybee if we iritate the cage pilots enough at the Toll Gates they will put presure on the management to do something about this - i use the garage card but normaly take my time. Guy behind you can wait. Only good thing about the main roads are the abundance of Toilets and Filing stations.

LeRoy Olivier wrote:Only good thing about the main roads are the abundance of Toilets and Filing stations.

I agree. If it wasn't for that, the hiways would never see us. It is quite nice to plan a route close enough to the toilets and restaurants but far away from the toll gates.

That was the basic planning principles for the Millies and Fouriesburg in December. We cross where necessary and ride on it for short distances only.

LeRoy Olivier wrote:Maybee if we iritate the cage pilots enough at the Toll Gates they will put presure on the management to do something about this - i use the garage card but normaly take my time. Guy behind you can wait. Only good thing about the main roads are the abundance of Toilets and Filing stations.

This only makes the cage drivers dislike bikers even more - they don't see it as a toll problem - only bikers that take too long.

Rejuvenated DaveS wrote:

LeRoy Olivier wrote:Maybee if we iritate the cage pilots enough at the Toll Gates

This only makes the cage drivers dislike bikers even more - they don't see it as a toll problem - only bikers that take too long.

True - never thought of that. While they are making money, we can argue all we want among ourselves and they have no incentive to listen. More clever planning is the way to go.

I have this impression that most Think Bike people seem not to have number plates so they just skip the Toll Gates and cannot understand what we are complaining about.

I don't think that is the way to go. Just create a bad name for motorcyclists.
The system is not fair on bikers and I agree with sentiments shared on this topic. Very difficult taking gloves off, getting money or card, paying and if with cash now you have change you have to put somewhere, gloves on again, in gear and move off. Must be a way to lobby the roads agency for a more effective process and better fees for bikes.

JohanGT wrote:
I have this impression that most Think Bike people seem not to have number plates so they just skip the Toll Gates and cannot understand what we are complaining about.

How many of the 2300+ members would you guestimate ride without plates and therefore skip the gates

this online petition against toll fees has surfaced on bike forums. The wording could have been different but at least it's a push in the right direction

If you are interested in signing visit http://www.petitiononline.com/tollroad/petition.html