Dangerous M5 (Beyers Naude Road) and Death of a Cyclist

[me100]

A cyclist has been killed on the M5 portion of the cradle loop due to collision with a bakkie - source.

A sad event, condolences to the family and may he rest in peace.

The accident happened on 26th July around 13:00 - outside the Cradle Moon Entrance - a very dangerous part of that road although the whole M5 portion of the cradle loop is dangerous. There seemed to be lots more vehicles on the road, many vehicles speeding and many impatient road users overtaking.

It is always a risk riding on the roads - ensure to wear bright coloured clothing, stay well left and consider skipping the M5 portion.

[New world disorder]

Very dangerous section of road that ,cars are doing 140 kmph sometimes.

[RocknRolla]

We had to turn around there as the road was closed on the way back from the Trailseeker at VG.

Saw the space blanket between the cars. I suspected either a cyclist, runner or motorcyclist.
Not sure if it's related, but this article correlates with the date of this accident.

https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2025-07-28-cycling-accident-claims-life-of-top-achiever-kerry-grundlingh/

Very sad indeed. That entrance/exit to Cradle moon along with a blind rise on the lanseria side, a corner along with  speeding motorsists and motorcycles, cyclists and pedestrians is very dangerous. 

Apologies if my linking this article to the incident is incorrect.

[RobynE 🚵‍♀️]

A huge problem with this spot is the shadows from the trees - you drive from light into dark regardless of which direction you’re coming from. 

There are sometimes pedestrians walking in the shadows, or vehicles stopped, or, if someone is waiting to turn into Cradle Moon then vehicles pass them on the left close to the trees.

Likewise, because you can’t see into the shadows and you’re going at least 80km/h, people tend to keep very right even if there’s no obstruction. 

It’s just a terrible, awful section.

When I ride there with my daughter, we stop quite close to it in the light, then scan both directions, then sprint to clear it and only ever in the cycling/yellow line. 

The photo doesn’t make it seem even remotely as sinister as it really is. 

It needs a circle for sure. 
 

[love2fly]

Condolences to the loved ones and family, RIP. 😢 

Ive ridden the loop literally thousands of times in the last 25 years and hate the Beyers Naude stretch.

I've been hit by a car once (below Nedbank Conference Centre), and luckily only broken side and front ribs broken bike and a broken shoe as the car wheel ended up parked across my toes....

[Loose cog]

Numerous potholes along this road also add to vehicles swerving into the emergency (cycle) lane. Someone should set the overgrown grass alight to increase visibility.  

[Danger Dassie]

That section is incredibly high risk in both directions for all users, largely due to the excessive speeding from people driving. Many of whom are aggressive drivers.

I’ve had a couple of close calls just leaving/arriving at the Cradle Moon/Conservancy entrance. 
 

This includes you mr black X5 tailgating and overtaking at speed to arrive Valverde.