Durban - Two top KwaZulu-Natal cyclists were hit by a car on Tuesday, prompting the eThekwini Municipality to look at the “one-metre passing law” which has just been gazetted in the Western Cape.
Springbok cyclist, Robert du Preez, 23, from the Bluff and Andrew Warr, 27, from the Berea, were cycling downhill towards the intersection of Grays Inn Road and Marine Drive on the Bluff at about 9.15am.
“We were cycling in single file on Marine Drive, going quite quickly, but not breaking any speed limits, when a car that was coming up the hill turned right into Grays Inn Road in front of us,” said Du Preez, a member of Cyclesphere Cycling Club.
“We had no time to stop so we swerved out but hit the car. That was all I remember.”
The one-metre rule was gazetted in the Western Cape last week and could have serious consequences for motorists who fail to maintain this distance, if they kill or injure cyclists.
However, it is also emphasised that cyclists must cycle in single file at all times.
eThekwini city manager, S’bu Sithole, said Durban would investigate how the law was implemented in the Western Cape.
“The city has been focusing on broader issues such as from an infrastructure viewpoint, demarcation of cycle lanes between certain hours and more cycle lanes, but not at the level of bylaws.”
Du Preez broke his right collarbone and shoulder and suffered cuts and bruising. He was treated and discharged from hospital on Tuesday.
Warr broke his left arm, also suffering cuts and bruises. He is expected to undergo surgery to his arm today.
Warr, who is a top mountain bike and road cyclist, is recovering from another serious cycling accident during a road race near Johannesburg two months ago.
He fractured his skull, broke his nose, cheekbone, shoulder and collarbone; and had a collapsed lung, said Warr. He had just started slowly getting back into cycling since then.
“The road was quiet and it was really pleasant. We had right-of-way but the car looked like it was going to turn, then braked, but as we got closer, he went. I don’t think the driver registered how quickly we were going,” said Warr, who estimated they had reached speeds of about 50km/h.
“I hit the windscreen and the next thing I was flying in the air and landed on my shoulder.”
Cyclesphere owner, Greg Albert, was one of the first at the scene of the accident.
Albert, who has been involved in consultations with the city regarding the construction of cycle lanes, said there needed to be more long-term awareness with regards to cyclists.
“There are cases where it’s negligence on the driver’s part but in many instances they don’t realise the speeds cyclists can go.
“Cyclists can get up to 60 or 70km/h,” he said.
Albert said cycling was one of the fastest-growing sports in South Africa and, with the city fully committed to encouraging cycling for commuters, educating road users and ensuring a safe distance between motorists and cyclists was a priority.
Sithole said keeping a safe distance between cars and bicycles, as well as between cars, was important.
If the law was found to be effective in the Western Cape it would be implemented in KZN, he said.
“All road users should be considerate and not impede each other’s space.
“I think anything that would help avoid accidents and encourage non-motorised forms of transport will be encouraged,” Sithole said.
A case of reckless and negligent driving is being investigated by Brighton Beach police.
No arrests have been made.
Daily News