Thousands pay tribute to M4 cyclists
Cycling clubs, the mayor, the first lady as well as hundreds of residents pay their respects to Jared Dwyer and Richard da Silva, who were killed on the M4 last week.
AROUND 1000 cyclists paid tribute to Richard da Silva (46) and Jared Dwyer (36) in a touching memorial ride on the M4 on Sunday morning. The duo were tragically killed on the M4 a week ago near the Broadway off-ramp. Several cycling clubs, Durban North residents, the mayor of eThekwini, and first lady, Tobeka Madiba Zuma were all in attendance in what was an emotional tribute to the cyclists.
IN PICTURES: M4 Memorial gallery
Part of the M4 was closed as the procession of cyclists made their way from Bike & Bean on to the Ruth First Highway. The families of the cyclists were also in attendance and laid wreaths and flowers at the site of the crash.
The head of events, safety and security of Cycling SA, Craig Proctor-Parker, said the sheer number of cyclists at the memorial ride showed how much the tragedy had touched the community.
“My heart goes out to Jared’s and Richard’s loved ones and to the cycling community of Durban. They died doing what they loved and they will be missed, but never forgotten. I have a poem, which I think epitomizes the spirit of every cyclist.
“I ride because I am addicted to the endorphins and to the adrenaline. I ride because the second my legs start turning circles I become a happier person. I ride because I love to feel the wind on my face and listen to the birds and bugs. I ride because it allows me to take out my aggression and anger. I ride because it stabilizes my life and creates balance. I ride because going downhill at 40mph makes me feel wild and free.I ride because even though I have ridden the route a 1000 times, I never know what is around the next bend.”
eThekwini mayor, James Nxumalo, also paid tribute to the cyclists saying their deaths had been a catalyst for the formation of the city’s first Cycle Safe Forum.
