Cycle clubs urged to avoid Durban’s cycle circuit

DURBAN North resident and member of the eThekwini Cycle Safe Forum, Aroon Patel, has urged cycling clubs to avoid the cycle circuit (cycle lane) on Masabalala Yengwa Avenue (NMR Avenue) going towards the City.

The call comes after a Kings Park Cycling Club member, Craig Proctor-Parker was launched off his bicycle by an e-hailing driver who crashed into the back of him while allegedly using his cell phone.

The accident occurred almost two weeks ago and left Proctor-Parker was transported to hospital with several cuts and bruises and a severely swollen knee.

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Members on the early morning ride had to stop the driver who attempted to flee the scene.

Speaking to Northglen News, Patel, said part of the problem for cycling clubs in the City was that the cycle lane (going towards the City) was being used to lay underground cables, effectively closing the lane.

“To my understanding this project is set to take at least a year to complete. They are laying the cables in 600 metres stretch at a time and when they reach the section of the cycle lane they are working on, they cordon it off forcing cyclists who are on early morning rides to cycle in one of the lanes. As a club we’ve decided not to cycle in the area until the project is complete and the cycle lane is restored. There are several completed sections which have now left the cycle lane uneven making it even more dangerous for cyclists. I’m urging cyclists and clubs to avoid making use of the circuit in this vicinity for the time being. This is not to excuse poor driver behaviour and especially as this accident could’ve been fatal,” he said.

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