By Celani Sikhakhane
- Transport officials say cyclists must follow same road safety laws as motorists, including breath tests and arrests for riding under alcohol influence.
- More than 120 motorists arrested in weekend crackdown across KwaZulu-Natal, including taxi drivers, teachers and a mayor’s bodyguard, officials confirm.
The issue started with one cyclist stopped in Estcourt. Road Traffic Inspectorate officers tested the rider for alcohol on Sunday near the Drakensberg.
The incident spread on social media. Many people questioned why a cyclist was treated like a driver.
KwaZulu-Natal transport MEC Siboniso Duma said the officers followed the law. He said the National Road Traffic Act allows breath tests for cyclists on public roads.
“We have observed a mixed reaction after the department posted a photo,” said Duma.
“Our team was guided by the law when they tested the cyclist.”
He said cyclists who ride under the influence of alcohol can be arrested. The law treats this as an offence, just like drunk driving.
Over the same weekend, officers arrested more than 120 motorists for drunk driving. In Estcourt, 68 people were arrested. Eight were arrested in Empangeni and about 43 in Kokstad.
Those arrested included taxi drivers, a mayor’s bodyguard, a metro police officer, truck drivers, an IT specialist, an Eskom technician, nurses, teachers, a house husband and a pensioner.
The department said 5,689 motorists have been arrested since 15 August 2025.
Officials said removing drunk drivers from roads helps prevent crashes and saves lives.
Pictured above: A cyclist is stopped and tested for alcohol in Estcourt, sparking debate about road laws. Image source: Road Traffic Inspectorate
