KwaZulu-Natal bikers united in faith on Saturday, gathering to bless their helmets, remember fallen riders and call for greater respect on local roads.

Inspired by a tradition in Portugal, where motorcyclists gather in the town of Fatima to pray for spiritual protection before taking to the open road, organisers hope to establish the Ballito event as an annual tradition.

The ceremony was led by Father Stephen Tully of All Saints Catholic Church, Pastor Andrew Anderson of Ballito Lig en Lewe and Andre Barnard at Townsend Park.

Helmets were blessed with holy water and prayers were offered for the safety of bikers on the road. The ceremony also provided an opportunity to remember fellow riders who have died or been injured in motorcycle accidents.

Organisers said the number of accidents and poor driving they had witnessed locally reinforced the need to promote tolerance and respect between bikers and other motorists.

The dangers faced by bikers were brought into sharp focus earlier this month when Shaka’s Head resident Cyril Khuzwayo (44) died after his motorcycle collided with a bakkie at the McDonald’s intersection on Ballito Drive.

Khuzwayo, a father of two, worked as a delivery driver for Takealot and Uber Eats and spent much of his working day on local roads.

Crusaders regional president Tony Agrela thanked the bikers who attended and everyone involved in organising the event.

“I appreciate everyone who came out to support us. We hope to grow this event each year and get the whole biking community involved,” he said.