Times Of Swaziland: CYCLISTS’ SAFETY A REGIONAL CONCERN

CYCLISTS’ SAFETY A REGIONAL CONCERN
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Sanele Jele on 30/09/2024 08:56:00


MBABANE – Despite various safe-cycling initiatives and interventions by local
and provincial governments, road fatalities involving cyclists have risen
steadily over the years in South Africa.
News24 reported 252 deaths in 2010, with an estimated 800 additional cyclists
injured in motor vehicle accidents. By 2016, fatalities among cyclists had
surged by nearly 79 per cent, reaching 451 deaths. Current statistics are
challenging to obtain, but a plethora of reports on online news platforms
indicates that cyclists’ safety remains a significant concern.
In South Africa, cyclists are recognised as legitimate road users, subject to
the same rules and regulations as motorists. Consequently, cyclists who sustain
injuries in accidents involving motor vehicles, may have the right to claim
compensation from the Road Accident Fund (RAF).
In Eswatini, although statistics regarding cyclist fatalities are scarce, there
are notable incidents that resonate within the cycling community. One such
incident involved New Comm Wheels cyclist Shirley Motsa, who was struck by a
truck while jogging along Manzana Road in March 2024. The truck collided with
Motsa while she was jogging against oncoming traffic on that fateful day.
Another tragic incident involved Gift du Pont cyclist, who was also hit by a
truck and died back in 2013. He was cycling in the bustling roads of Manzini.
Sihlangu Nhlabatsi, former President of the Eswatini Cycling Association (ECA),
extended his heartfelt condolences to the Masango family, MTN Khemani and the
cycling community.
“It is yet another tragic day on the roads. I urge all road users to remain
vigilant and adhere to all prescribed laws. It is profoundly unfortunate that
such accidents occur, resulting in a life lost and leaving a family fatherless,
when these incidents could often be avoided by simply respecting the rules of
the road.”
As a former president and a cyclist, he expressed his deep disappointment that
motorists do not recognise cyclists as legitimate road users, despite the
periodic awareness initiatives aimed at fostering understanding.