Renewed calls for cyclists safety following accidents
The safety of cyclists have been thrust into the spotlight following two incidents, one of which ended in a fatal accident.
MEMBERS of the cycling community say they are deeply concerned about their safety after two accidents in the area, one of which was fatal.
A little over a week ago a cyclist was struck at the intersection of Umhlanga Rocks Drive and Fernlea Road (Somerset Park).
According to paramedics the cyclist suffered a medical emergency before losing control and falling onto the road, where he was subsequently struck by a vehicle.
Then, on October 9, a cyclist was killed after he was struck and flung several metres in an accident on Umhlanga Rocks Drive near the village.
Also read: Reckless driving and speeding a concern in uMhlanga
Both incidents have thrust the safety of cyclists into the spotlight.
The incidents have taken on added significance as October marks Transport Month, which includes road safety initiatives creating awareness among communities, pedestrians, cyclists, scholars, and public transport operators.
Durban North resident Cheryl-Lee Lambert said there had been several incidents on the roads in and around Durban, including the M4, highlighting cyclists’ safety.
“My husband was struck by a wing mirror on the M4 which snapped off and then hit me riding ahead of him. As cyclists we face reckless driving, drunk drivers and overgrown vegetation blocking the cycling path in some instances.
“We are pleading with the various roleplayers, the eThekwini Municipality, the Department of Transport, Metro Police, the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) to set up operations or get speed cameras working again. There have been so many accidents, and sadly fatalities in some cases, because not enough is being done to create safe spaces for us to share the road,” she said.
Also read: Progress made on La Lucia rising main sewer project
Lambert said she too wanted to host a cycle safety event in December to highlight the safety of cyclists to raise awareness.
She also encouraged more people to be aware of the Pedal Power Association’s ‘Stay Wider of the Rider’ campaign which urges motorists and cyclists to share the roads safely and to maintain a distance of 1m between vehicles and cyclists.
For more from Northglen News, follow us on Facebook, X or Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.
Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here
