THE eThekwini Cycle Safe Forum which was launched earlier this month, in the wake of the tragic deaths of Richard da Silva and Jared Dwyer, who were recently killed on the M4, has elected its executive committee. The forum was jointly established by eThekwini Municipality and a number of Durban cycling clubs concerned about the safety of cyclists in the city.

The forum hopes to address the current challenges facing cyclists in and around Durban and find solutions to effectively deal with these issues.

At a meeting last week at the Durban Surf Lifesaving club, members of Metro police, the municipality as well as various cyclists spoke about the need for more vigilance and law abidance by both cyclists and motorists. The message that the M4, between Argyle Road and the uMhlanga off-ramp was again reiterated it was no-go zone.

Aroon Patel, chairman of Cycle Specialists Cycling Club, and one of the newest members of the forum’s executive committee said he was pleased with the forum’s second meeting.

“I think we ironed out a lot of specifics and we were briefed about a number of issues in terms of legalities from the Metro Police. The partnership of the city is imperative in our quest for making Durban a more cyclist friendly city. There are still a number of challenges raised, which included the lack of awareness of motorists and keeping a safe distance and we hope now to address those specifics. Though the mayor, James Nxumalo, didn’t make it, it was heartening to see that the eThewkini Traffic Authority and Go!Durban are on board,” he said.

The forum elected six members for its executive committee which includes, Sean Lucien, Greg Alberts, Les Harrylal, Isabelle Moolman and Gabriella Peppas.