Update
GEORGE NEWS - The news of a 46-year-old cyclist who was hit and killed on the N2 at the Sanral roadworks near Eden Church, unleashed a number of comments on George Herald's Facebook page.
The deceased, Johnathan Arends from Pacaltsdorp, was on his way to work when he was hit by a truck.
Many readers are of the opinion that repairing the Seven Passes Road should have been prioritised above fixing this section of the road on the N2 that apparently didn't need any work done on it.
"We waited for nearly an hour at Dolphin's Point while the traffic was backed up all the way in Kaaimans. If the Seven Passes Road was open, this wouldn't have happened," reads one comment.
Some readers also said that if the "disruptive and unnecessary" road works weren't there, the incident wouldn't have taken place, while others believe that cyclists aren't allowed to be travelling on this road.
Southern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Chris Spies confirmed the incident and said that they are investigating a case of culpable homicide. The circumstances surrounding the incident are part of an ongoing police investigation. "Preliminary information suggests that man was hit by a truck travelling in the same direction towards Wilderness. The rider succumbed to the serious injuries sustained," said Spies.
The driver of the truck was unharmed.
Upon enquiry, Sanral project manager David le Cordeur said non-motorised transport solutions, which include walking and cycling lanes, are as far as possible prioritised on major upgrade projects and this one will be no different.
"While construction is however underway, cyclists cannot be accommodated on this section of the N2 as the safety risks are too high," he said.
He asked residents and visitors to exercise patience. "It is a short-term inconvenience in pursuit of long-term mobility and road safety improvements to benefit all road users," he said.
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