There has been a heated debate about cyclists using the M4 following a hit-and-run leaving three injured.
Image: KZN VIP
FOLLOWING a recent hit-and-run incident that left three cyclists injured, and debate on social media regarding cyclists' access to the M4 (Ruth First and Leo Boyd Highway), authorities confirmed that cycling on specified sections was legal.
The incident occurred last month on the M4 between Umhlanga and Umdloti, when a light motor vehicle allegedly collided with the cyclists and then fled the scene.
At the time, the POST published an online article “Durban hit and run: Authorities warn that it is illegal to cycle on the M4, M17, M7, N3 and N2”.
Here it was reported that KZN Cycling, in a statement said that cyclists had the right to ride on some sections of the M4.
However, the provincial transport department said it was illegal to do so.
At the time, Ndabe Sibiya, the department’s spokesperson said: “We wish to indicate that we will issue a formal statement with more details about designated routes for cyclists.
“Our intention is to ensure that there is no misunderstanding. Our Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) is working with traffic departments in various municipalities to ensure that there is a consolidated list of routes.
“For now, we wish to indicate that based on RTI, there are designated lanes in the Durban city in areas such as around Moses Mabhida. It is illegal to cycle on M4, M17, M7, N3 and N2.”
This also sparked debate among social media users on whether cyclists were allowed to use the M4.
However, in a statement on Tuesday, Owen Botha, the president of KZN Cycling, said the ongoing debate in certain social media quarters about cyclists' rights to use sections of the M4 required clarification “once and for all”.
He said relevant RTI authorities and key role-players, including metro police, confirmed that cyclists have the right to use the M4 between La Lucia and Ballito.
“This is because it is not a designated freeway, unlike the section of the M4 from Sandile Thusi (old Argyle Rd) to La Lucia which remains a freeway, and cycling is not allowed in that specific section.
“KZN Cycling and all associated entities call upon all media houses and social media platforms that have spread the incorrect message about cyclists not being able to use the M4, to ensure that the correct message is given to the general public,” said Botha.
Colonel Boysie Zungu, spokesperson for the metro police, said: “Regulation 323(1)(b) passed in terms of the National Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996, prohibits a cycle from being ridden on a portion of a road designated as a freeway. However, cyclists are permitted to use any section of road that is not a designated freeway. However, both cyclists and motorists are urged to always exercise caution when travelling.”
Siboniso Duma, the MEC for Transport and Human Settlements in KZN said the transport department commended the metro police for clarifying the matter in the interest of every road user.
“Equally, we believe that KZN Cycling has a responsibility to guide and provide accurate information to its members. KZN Cycling remains a very important stakeholder that we will engage with moving forward.”
Duma said the department believed that all stakeholders must work together to ensure road safety.
“As we move forward, our highly efficient team from RTI including our Road Safety Directorate will work with KZN Cycling and metro police to intensify an awareness campaign. This will focus on the do's and don'ts on the road - both designated and un-designated.
“We must pull together in the same direction and build a winning province that excels in sport and importantly, a province with a healthy society,” he said.