Clubs agree to ‘no cycle zone’ on M4
Municipality and local cycling clubs set up Cycle Safe Forum to address concerns.
FOLLOWING the tragic death of two cyclists on the M4 on Sunday, the municipality’s traffic, energy and engineering departments, the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI), Metro Police, along with KZN Cycling, as well as several cycling clubs from around Durban has formed the eThekwini Cycle Safe Forum which was launched on Wednesday. The interim forum was jointly established to address the safety of cyclists in the city.
One of the proposals at the meeting was establishing a ‘No cycling zone on the M4 (between Argyle Road and the uMhlanga on-ramp)’. On Monday RTI spokesman, Zinhle Mngomezulu, said cyclists weren’t allowed on a freeway.
Aroon Patel, chairman of Cycle Specialists Cycling Club, said various cycling clubs had agreed to safe riding practices and to keep their riders off the high risk stretch of the M4. Beyond the uMhlanga on-ramp, cyclists were allowed on the M4 all the way to Ballito, Patel said.
“Most of the deaths of cyclists in the past 10 years has occurred on the stretch of M4 between Argyle Road and uMhlanga. All the clubs said they would keep their riders off the busy road and instead ride through the suburbs. We were assured by Metro Police that it wasn’t illegal to ride on the M4 or a ‘M’ designated road.”
It’s hoped the forum will address other challenges raised by cyclists, which included the lack of awareness of motorists and keeping a safe distance. The issue of drunk drivers who endangered the lives of all road users including cyclists was also one of the topics.
A memorial ride is set to take place on Sunday to remember Richard da Silva and Jared Dwyer, who were killed in the accident. More than 1000 cyclists are expected to pay their respects to the duo.
