THE use of the Tongaat Hulett property by mountain bikers has come under review due to the increase in trespassing incidents and unwarranted confrontations with Tongaat Hulett staff.
“Tongaat Hulett has allowed mountain bikers the use of specified routes on their property within stipulated time periods and on specific days which takes cognisance of rider safety on a working farm.
“The belief held by a number of the trespassers encountered was that because they have been mountain biking in the area for years they are entitled to a right of use, is erroneous and should the practice continue the area will see the complete banning of mountain bikers from the property,” said Storm Ferguson, chairman of the eThekweni Mountain Bike Association.
EMBA works together with Tongaat Hulett to ensure both the safety of the cyclists and to exercise control over the mountain bikers who make use of the properties in Shongweni, Hillcrest and north of Durban. The licences can be obtained on the website, www.emba.org.za/applications. There are also day licences available at various points around the property that are convenient to riders.
“EMBA, in considering the needs of mountain bikers in the Shongweni and Hillcrest area, appeals to the community spirit of all those who have been using the Tongaat Hulett property to ensure they either have a licence or a day licence before venturing onto the property,” concluded Ferguson. He urged riders to ride on the authorised routes and only during the specified times.
