Cycling on the M4 between Ballito and La Lucia is risky but legal, say authorities

Authorities say cycling on sections of the M4 remains legal despite social media claims, following a hit-and-run that left three cyclists seriously injured.

The crash on May 9, and a subsequent false claim that cyclists had been banned from the M4, reignited debate over the right to share increasingly congested roads.

eThekwini Metro Colonel Boysie Zungu said cyclists had the right to use the M4 between La Lucia and Ballito, but warned against it. He clarified however that the section of the M4 from Sandile Thusi (old Argyle Rd) to La Lucia remains a freeway and cycling is not allowed.

“We cannot prosecute cyclists who ride on this section of the M4 as it is not declared a freeway,” he said.
Zungu pointed to cyclist warning signage on the northbound M4 near the Lighthouse Road off-ramp in Umhlanga, alerting motorists that they are entering a route frequently used by cyclists.

KZNDoT spokesperson Ndabezinhle Sibiya would neither confirm nor deny speculation that the M4 could be reclassified a freeway.

However, he said transport and human settlements MEC Sboniso Duma believed motorists and cyclists needed to coexist on KZN’s roads.

KZN Cycling president Owen Botha described the May 9 incident as “deeply concerning”, stressing that no disagreement on the road should escalate into violence or reckless behaviour.

However, he acknowledged growing frustration among motorists over cyclists riding irresponsibly, particularly in groups riding two or three abreast and obstructing traffic.

“Riding in a manner that unnecessarily blocks traffic or provokes frustration creates conflict and increases the risk of dangerous confrontations,” he said.

Former world champion cyclist and DVH Cycles owner Deno van Heerden said warning signage on the M4 clearly indicated bicycles were permitted on the route.

“Are cyclists who live in Umdloti and Westbrook expected to load their bikes onto cars, drive to the centre of Durban and only ride around circuits? I don’t think that’s going to work,” he said.

He also warned that forcing cyclists off the M4 could shift larger riding groups onto narrower suburban roads, potentially creating even greater congestion and friction with motorists in residential areas.

Note: Additional comments were added to this story after publication to clarify the section of the M4 where cycling is not allowed. The headline was amended to reflect this.