Mass cycle ride honours M4 crash victims

Published Feb 15, 2016

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Durban - There were emotional scenes on Sunday when hundreds joined a memorial ride in honour of Durban cyclists, Jared Dwyer, 36, and Richard da Silva, 46.

The ride followed the route taken by the cyclists last Sunday - from Sunkist Beach to Ruth First Freeway (M4 Northern Freeway), to the place near the Swapo Road (Broadway) off-ramp, where the two were hit by a car.

Cyclists laid wreaths and flowers at the crash site, where the men had died on impact.

Present at the ride were relatives of Dwyer and Da Silva, as well as First Lady Thobeka Madiba-Zuma and eThekwini mayor, James Nxumalo, who spoke about improving cyclists’ safety.

Speaking to the Daily News, Da Silva’s wife, Sonya Mellissa Ferreira, said on that fateful morning Dwyer had arrived late, so Kings Park Cycling Club chairman, Da Silva, had waited for him.

They rode together, chatting along the way, when the crash occurred.

“What happened was not right. I was angry with the driver, but not any more. Richard’s death was instant. He was a helpful person who cared about the well-being of others,”said Ferreira.

“He assisted many novices through the cycle routes and had patience with them,” said Ferreira.

She urged motorists to be mindful and to change their behaviour when behind the wheel.

“Often, people drive with rage. They may have had a nasty spat at home and become disconnected with the world around them.

“Be mindful of your actions. Have respect for other road users.”

Ferreira said her mother-in-law, Rosa da Silva, was still overcome with emotion and anger. She was present at the memorial ride, but left soon after.

“Somehow we need to put the pieces of our lives together. Richard and I were deeply spiritual. This week has been difficult for me to get up in the morning without him,” she said.

A collage of pictures of Da Silva and Dwyer was displayed on a board supported by two bicycle wheels.

Dwyer was one of five sons and had two sisters.

His mother, Lee, was overcome with emotion at the scene and said she would never forgive the person responsible for her son’s death.

“I was chatting to him on Saturday night, and then on Sunday morning I was holding his lifeless body on the freeway. I am heartsore and will take time to heal from this.”

She had bitter words for the motorist allegedly responsible for her son’s death, saying she could never forgive the man who took her son away from her. She was sure her son and Da Silva had watched over the ride from heaven.

Both families were grateful for the support they had received since the crash and thanked the cycling clubs involved.

Madiba-Zuma, who lives in Durban North, said her son had told her of the tragedy and she felt she had to pay her respects to the families.

“We must move forward and ensure this incident highlights the negative impact of driving recklessly and driving under the influence of alcohol. It leaves a negative impact on society,” she said, alluding to the charges faced by the man arrested after the crash, Omesh Ramnarain.

Nxumalo told the crowd of cyclists the municipality would work together with a newly-formed forum to improve the safety of cyclists and to prevent incidents like this.

Dwyer will be buried on Monday at a private funeral in Stellenbosch.

The family held a memorial service for him on Wednesday at their Windermere home and at Glen Ashley Beach.

Da Silva’s funeral will take place on Wednesday at the Tallulah conference centre in Botha’s Hill.

On Wednesday, the eThekwini Cycle Safe Forum was launched to develop a safety plan for cyclists.

Ferreira said the forum would help cyclists work with motorists. She called on the authorities to do more to enforce discipline on the roads.

Greg Albert, of Cycle Sphere, said the cyclists would always be remembered.

Speaking on behalf of Cycling South Africa (CSA), Craig Proctor-Parker, an accident scene specialist, said CSA was involved in improving cycling conditions on the roads.

“The formation of the forum is a move in the right direction. This incident would not be swept under the carpet. As tough as this is, Dwyer and Da Silva passed on doing what they loved. They would not want us to give up cycling because of this incident,” he said.

Omesh Ramnarain, 32, was arrested after the crash and is facing two counts of culpable homicide, one of driving under the influence of alcohol, and reckless and negligent driving.

He was granted R10 000 bail last Monday and is to report once a week to the Phoenix police station.

He is expected to appear again in court next month.

Daily News

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