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Picture this: you’re cycling along Durban’s M4, the ocean breeze is blowing in your face - and there are absolutely no cars competing for space.
That’s the idea behind Cycle Sunday! The popular community cycling event that’s celebrating its first birthday this Sunday, 25 October.
Cyclists, of all ages and abilities, are given four hours to enjoy a traffic-free stretch of motorway between Moses Mabhida Stadium and Umhlanga Rocks.
With entries closing soon and capacity limited to 3 000 participants, now’s the time to get your bike ready.
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A year of getting Durban on its bikes
Cycle Sunday, organised by Peschlsports, launched with a simple aim: to encourage more people to cycle by creating a safe, accessible space on one of Durban’s best-known roads.
Across its first four editions - October, December, February and June - more than 9 000 riders have taken part. Families, first-time cyclists, cycling clubs, and experienced riders have all enjoyed the opportunity to cycle a traffic-free M4.
Organiser Shaun Peschl, who has a background in professional cycling, says the event is designed to make cycling accessible to more people.
“We started Cycle Sunday just to get people back on their bikes and to get more people riding. We only charge R50 to ride, which is exceptional value!”
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Take on the M4 at your own pace
The main route runs from Moses Mabhida Stadium towards Portland Drive in Umhlanga Rocks, with riders choosing their own distance during the four-hour cycling window.
The full lap is 36km, but shorter turnaround options of 11km, 16km and 22km are available at selected off-ramps. You can complete as much of the route as you like before the ride ends at 9am.
Access to the M4 will be available from Moses Mabhida Lawn, Portland Drive and seven on-ramps. Riders can exit at any of the eight off-ramps along the route.
Water points and activations will be set up at on-ramps and off-ramps, with a safety talk, entertainment and extended activations also planned. A sweep vehicle will depart at 8.30am.
Park-and-ride locations will be announced through Cycle Sunday’s social media channels and email.
A cycling event for the whole family
Cycle Sunday is designed for different ages and abilities, making it an option for families who want to enjoy an active morning together.
There is one important rule for younger riders: children U13 must be accompanied by an adult at all times if cycling independently, with responsibility resting with the accompanying adult.
Whether you’re looking to stretch your legs over the full 36km, introduce the kids to cycling or simply enjoy a different view of Durban, the event offers a chance to experience the city’s coastal motorway in a new way.
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What you need to know
- When: Sunday, 25 October 2026
- Time: 5am-9am
- Where: M4 Ruth First Highway, from Moses Mabhida Stadium towards Portland Drive, Umhlanga Rocks
- Distances: 11km, 16km, 22km or the full 36km lap; choose your own distance
- Entry fee: R50 to R73 for pre-entries, according to the event listing; late entries cost R80
- Pre-entry deadline: Thursday, 22 October
- Wristband collection: Cycle Lab Cornubia, Friday 23 and Saturday 24 October, from 9am to 5pm
- Bookings: Racepass
Additional collection points for Racepass entrants: Cycle Specialist, KT Cycles and Deno van Heerden Cycles
Enter online before the pre-entry deadline to avoid the late-entry fee! Late entries will be available online or at registration on Friday and Saturday, subject to the event’s capacity.
Book your place on the M4
Ready to ride?
Don’t get caught out – book your spot now!
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