For those of you who recall the protest ride organised in Durban a few weeks back, well here's something positive: Bicycle-only lane planned for NMR Avenue eThekwini is serious about the safety of cyclists and is to open a "training circuit" which will run along NMR Avenue, Battery Beach Road, Snell Parade and Athlone Drive. Municipal Transport Planning Manager Jelle Meintsma said the circuit would reserve road space for cyclists only. He said the city hoped to have the circuit opened by 20 October, to coincide with national Car Free Day. Recently, about 3 000 cyclists took to the city's streets in a memorial ride to remember Mark Hegedus and other cyclists who have died on our roads. The cyclists were also calling on the authorities to do more to improve road safety. The training circuit is the first of a number of city projects aimed at addressing the cyclists' concerns. As a pilot exercise, signs will be put up along the circuit warning motorists to expect cyclists and exercise caution. "We need to go on a publicity campaign advising motorists of the scheme," said Meintsma. One of the lanes on NMR Avenue will be converted into a "cyclists-only" lane from 4.30am to 6.30am, and from 4.30pm to 6pm. "There is little traffic during these periods and as it is a three-lane road, non-cyclists should not be overly inconvenienced," said Meintsma. The Transport Planning Department was also looking at establishing a cycling route along the tourist route from uShaka Marine World to Blue Lagoon.
