Durban - Ethekwini - municipality hopes that about 40km of cycling lanes being created in the city and surrounding townships will help to change the face of transport.
The routes for the lanes include many of Durban’s entertainment “hot spots”, such as uShaka Marine World, and are part of a transport transformation plan.
Cycle lanes are also being planned for uMlazi and KwaMashu.
To date, R40-million had been spent on the lanes, said Carlos Esteves, deputy head of road system management. He assured motorists that the new lanes would not inconvenience them.
About 6.5km of lanes had been built of the 40km planned, Esteves said.
Workers are building a cycling path on the eastern side of the Greyville racecourse. The track will also take cyclists through the hustle and bustle of Florida Road and past Mitchell Park and the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Esteves said safety cameras would be installed at certain spots where riders could park and lock their bicycles. Some were up at strategic locations, such as the beachfront, where the new bike lanes are complete.
Independent consultant Gary Ronald applauded the city’s bike plans, saying they showed that the plight of cyclists was being acknowledged.
“Most municipalities ignore the cyclist as a commuter and road user,” he said. “A segregated lane will help to keep them safe.”
Motorists have also welcomed the plan.
Nonhle Sibisi, 29, an academic from Montclair, said she would breathe more easily knowing she no longer needed to look constantly over her shoulder for cyclists. - Sunday Independent