Cyclist spots safety concern on M4 bridge

FOR Riverside resident, Lorraine Hicks, cycling is not a leisure sport but a means of transport to work in the early morning when visibility and safety are major concerns as she crosses over the pavement on the M4 bridge that spans blue lagoon.

“It is pitch black when I ride across at 4am for work and I just pray the whole way that I will get there safely. My main concern is that the area is not well lit. Half the lights on the road side and on the bridge aren’t working, especially on the bend from the Riverside Road off ramp to the bridge,” said Hicks who works as a seasonal swimming coach.

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While poor visibility is the cyclist’s primary gripe, Hicks recently had a frightening experience during the day when she stopped on the bridge to watch the aQuelle Tour Durban cycling race. “Suddenly, I saw a foot stepping out of a hole cut in the fence. I managed to get away quickly, but feel other cyclists should be aware of safety on the bridge,” she said. Hicks also reported dangerous debris in the path when she cycled over the bridge one day.

“As I braked, I felt fishing line against my throat. It was also tangled in my bike when I got off. If I had not braked in time, I think my throat would have been slit. I think muggers use the fishing line to get cyclists to stop,” said Hicks.

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Captain Raymond Deokaran of the Durban North SAPS said offenders caught damaging the fence would face penalties. “A penalty will be meted out by the court. A case can be opened by the municipality if someone is caught,” he said.

“Pedestrians are to walk in company when on the bridges,” he added.

The municipality did not sent their comment at the time this article went to press.

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