Date: 2025-10-26 13:39:01

Wheels Of Change As Durban Embraces Active Mobility At Cycle Sunday

ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

WHEELS OF CHANGE AS DURBAN EMBRACES ACTIVE MOBILITY AT CYCLE SUNDAY

Durban’s Blue Lagoon and the northern transit corridor came alive today, 26 October, as hundreds of cyclists and families took to the M4 for the City’s inaugural Cycle Sunday. 

The event, organised by eThekwini Transport Authority’s (ETA) GO!Durban in partnership with Peschl Sports, Cycle Lab, and the Pedal Power Association, highlighted the City’s growing commitment to Non-Motorised Transport (NMT) and a more integrated, people-centred transport system.

Durban is steadily moving towards a fully integrated transport network that combines buses, taxis, trains, cycling, and walking into a seamless system. 

By making Durban a safer and more attractive City for cyclists, the Municipality aims to create a healthier, connected, and more inclusive urban environment.

Cycle Sunday was not only a celebration of community spirit but also an educational experience. 

At the Moses Mabhida Stadium lawns, a youth cycling zone introduced children aged 6 to 12 to safe cycling practices, including helmet use, hand signalling, and road safety awareness.

Acting Director of ETA Nelisiwe Zama, said the event underscored the importance of education and shared road responsibility.

“Cycle Sunday is about changing how we think about moving around our City,” said Zama. 

She added: “Roads are not just for cars, they are for people. People who walk, cycle, and use public transport. If we understand this, we can create a safer, more inclusive Durban transport system.”

 Zama emphasised that while infrastructure is essential, awareness and respect are equally vital in changing behaviour.

“Infrastructure alone cannot change how we move. It’s through education, empathy, and awareness that we build a new road culture,” she said.

Cycle Sunday forms part of the City’s broader drive to promote NMT as a practical, affordable, and sustainable mode of travel, helping residents connect to public transport and bridging the crucial “first and last kilometre” between homes, bus stops, taxi ranks, and workplaces.

Zama reaffirmed ETA’s commitment to creating a transport system that connects people to opportunity while improving health, reducing emissions, and stimulating the local economy.

“Events like this one raise awareness and inspire a cultural shift toward active mobility,” Zama added. 

“Our vision is simple, a Durban where everyone, regardless of income, gender, or age, can move freely, safely, and affordably.”

The event’s success reflected strong partnerships and enthusiastic community participation, with families, schools, and cycling clubs joining forces with the City to promote safer, cleaner mobility. 

The festive atmosphere included music, refreshment stations, and cycling activations along the M4.

“Cycle Sunday has shown what’s possible when people and bicycles take centre stage,” said Zama. 

“Together, we are not just building infrastructure, we are building a culture.”

Encouraged by the success of the inaugural event, the City hopes that Cycle Sunday will become a regular feature on Durban’s calendar, advancing its long-term goal of embedding NMT into urban design, education, and transport integration.

The City encourages residents to cycle safely, support road-sharing awareness, and participate in future NMT programmes and community rides.

ENDS

Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate.