Cape Town - The cyclist who was killed in a collision with a motorbike on the M3 was not supposed to have been using the freeway.
According to the City of Cape Town, cyclists are barred from using this section of the road.
Motorists have complained that it is not the first time they have spotted cyclists making use of the road and are calling for a crackdown on errant cyclists on freeways, including the M5.
Police said the collision took place on Thursday at about 7.30am.
Spokesman Captain FC van Wyk said it is alleged that the motorbike rider was travelling towards Wynberg on the M3 when the cyclist attempted to cross the highway from the inside lane.
The motorcyclist swerved to avoid the cyclist, but it was too late and the pair collided.
Paramedics found both riders lying on the grass embankment, which borders the busy road. The cyclist had already succumbed to his injuries.
Metro EMS members worked to resuscitate the motorbike rider who was lying a few metres away. However, after 20 minutes it was clear he was not going to make it.
Motorists who passed by the site of the crash saw two bodies covered in sheets and the wrecked remains of their bikes lying in the grass.
According to city traffic services spokesman Richard Coleman, the cyclist was aged about 35 while the motorcyclist was in his 50s.
Mayoral committee member for Transport Brett Herron told the Cape Argus that the M3 is a freeway from Wynberg Hill to Steenberg Road, the section where the crash took place. It’s signposted along the road.
“Cyclists are not allowed to cycle on freeways as it is regarded to be extremely unsafe due to the speeds at which vehicles travel on these roads.”
Pedal Power Association chairman Steve Hayward said there had been numerous complaints about cyclists using the M3 and M5.
As a rule, the association recommended riders avoided freeways.
Hayward also pointed out that laws clearly stated that cyclists were prohibited from using freeways.
“There is always the possibility that motorists will take chances and drive on the shoulder if the road is busy. If you are a cyclists making use of that part of the road, you have no protection.”
He said this year had been a “rough” year for cyclists despite the association “surging forward with its safer cycling campaign”.
“More and more cyclists are involved in accidents and we are going to have to up our game getting motorists and cyclists to share the roads.”
Cape Argus