Through my eyes

Most early Sunday mornings I run errands from Ballito to Durban. My route is always the picturesque M4. I love that time of the day, the spectacular ocean sights and the peace. Well that was thenbefore cycling became such a popular sport.

For the past couple of months cyclists have been very active on the M4 and while most cyclists are considerate to the drivers, there are some that just have no idea. Many times I am forced to slow down completely behind riders who disobey the law and ride two, three abreast, chatting, many times it's on a blind corner with a double solid white line.

Not every cyclist is inconsiderate. Some try very hard to stay in the yellow line, but lets be honest, there is not much yellow line on the M4 so it is inevitable that the cyclists have no choice but to ride on the road and put their lives at risk.

Last Sunday two more cyclists were hit on the M4, allegedly by a drunk driver, just outside Umdloti. After the incident, and the shocking deaths of cyclists Richard da Silva and Jarred Dwyer, on the M4 in Durban North in February, the latest victims' wives and those of other cyclists have pleaded with those who cycle on the M4 to stop doing so until the roads are safer for the cycling community.

If you drive the M4 frequently, you will know how dangerous this road is. Not just for cyclists but for motorists as well. Fatalities are a regular occurrence here and over the past 25 years I have seen my share of horror as a motorist.

Look, I do not want to bash anyone here. I do not want to start a debate, but what is it with cyclists and their support vehicles following them at 10km an hour on a double solid line and a blind corner Is that really necessary

And why when you have a yellow line, why would you want to cycle in the middle of the road, while chatting to your mates

Life is so precious. We all want to live to a ripe old age and get to know our teenage grandchildren. So why not just be considerate on the roads and acknowledge that we are all potential victims.

The cyclists I know love the sport and do it for their health benefits. For them it is a way to stay fit and healthy. Even though they live locally, they are too afraid to cycle on the M4 and rather choose other routes for their weekend rides.

I have seen some horrendous accidents on the M4 and I want to encourage both cyclists and motorists to be extra mindful while driving this beautiful stretch of coastline. Let us stay safe and alert.