La Lucia cycle lane in disrepair, poses hazard

CYCLISTS have bemoaned the state of the cycling lanes around north Durban which they say is in a state of disrepair. One of the major hazards is Forest Drive in La Lucia where verges have grown out onto the cycle lane.

Another potential hazard is a large pothole running across an entire lane going towards uMhlanga which has not been fixed for more than four months.

uMgeni Park resident, Sean Lucien, who is a member of the Shut Up and Ride Cycling Club said he and other cyclists avoid Forest Drive due to the hazards.

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“We now ride on the M25 which isn’t dangerous and is well maintained. The problem here is many cyclists going onto the M4 Ruth First Highway use this route. The pothole has been there for some months and what concerns me is both vehicles and cyclists are forced to swerve into the next lane to avoid any accidents. Some residents do drive right over it but that is also potentially hazardous. I know other cyclists have voiced their concern over the state of the cycle lanes in the area,” he said.

Another cyclist, who did not want to be named, said several verges have encroached on the cycle lane forcing cyclists to ride outside the yellow line.

“There are a few sections where there is overgrown verges and sand in the cycle lane. This then affects cyclists going towards Glenashley as they have to swerve to avoid it. The roads are narrow already and the metres allocated to cyclists is taken away.

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“This is an accident waiting to happen. I have been in contact with the ward councillor who has been in touch with the City, however, they have not done anything. We cannot be a City encouraging cycling when the allocated cycle lanes are not being maintained. Forest Drive is but one example of this,” she said.

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