Durban goes mobile with its cycling academy
Cycling took centre stage in Durban last week as the eThekwini Municipality launched the The GO!Durban Cycle Academy, which promises to promote the sport as well as a healthier, cleaner and greener city.
THE eThekwini Municipality, on Thursday night, launched its groundbreaking initiative developed to facilitate a cycling culture in Durban – The GO!Durban Cycle Academy. This comes days after two local cyclists were struck and killed on the M4 near Broadway.
The academy, in partnership with the Kargo PRO Cycling Team and Durban Green Corridor, is set to provide an ideal environment for professional cycling development opportunities as well as encouraging recreational and commuter cycling in Durban.
Speaking at the event Thami Manyathi, head of eThekwini Transport and Authority, said the academy would be linked to the GO!Durban Integrated Rapid Transport Network currently being built around the city.
“The idea is to create a city where people can move more freely from ‘a’ to ‘b’, in ways that are more affordable, easy and safe. For many people walking and cycling are part of their everyday lifestyles. It was out of this notion that a non-motorised transport network was born,” he said.
He added that the city had planned to erect cycling lanes and walkways throughout the city as part of the transport project.
“At the moment the city spaces have mostly been planned for vehicles. They have, for the most part, right of way, physically and mentally, with little regard shown for cyclists and pedestrians,” he said.
Before the end of his speech Manyathi took the time to express his condolences to the families of the cyclists, Richard da Silva (46) of Glen Anil and Jared Dwyer (36) of Glenwood, who were killed on the M4 a week ago.
“The situation is very sad. In the blink of an eye their lives were lost,” he said.
He called for additional education and safety on the road
Council Speaker, Logie Naidoo, said on the night, “Through this programme we are laying the foundation for the growth and development of potentially hundreds of young people every year. It also promises a knock on effect of inspiring others into a culture of cycling in the city. As other cities around the world have experienced, the growth of a cycling culture impacts positively on communities because not only does it provide affordable means of commuting but it promotes a healthy lifestyle and contributes towards creating a more sustainable city.”
Naidoo said the project also has the potential to stimulate economic growth and job opportunities through bicycle repair shops, training schools and restaurants.
Academy members will be required to take part in athletic training as well as important life skills, mechanical and technical training. Training will take place after school, and the young athletes will be required to complete their homework at the academy site, as well as ensure their equipment and cycling kit is clean and maintained at all times.
The Durban Green Corridor has confirmed eight academy sites in KwaMashu, KwaDabeka, eNanda, Cornubia, South Beach, Glenwood, Umlazi and Amanzimtoti.
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