As part of its vision to provide a world-class sustainable transport system for all residents of Cape Town, the City is considering plans to allow bicycle commuters greater access to the inner city.

The City of Cape Town’s goal is to become a place where all people feel safe and secure to walk or cycle, says Elias Tukushe, HEAD: Universal Access & Non Motorized Transport (NMT).

NMT is part of the transport system, and public space is shared between all users, whether motorised or not. The City is committed to increase the number of cyclists and encourage walking by creating a safe and pleasant network of bicycle and pedestrian paths – not only for 2010, but beyond.

In mid-January, the City heard plans to allow bicycle commuters access to Government Avenue (through the Company’s Gardens) and St George’s Mall; this will provide more safe cycling routes, separate from motor traffic, and link the proposed on-street bicycle lanes in the CBD.

The City has agreed in principle to the proposals, and is preparing the next phases of consultation and removal of restrictions.

‘These particular routes are not aimed at fast cyclists in training,’ says Tukushe, ‘and signage will probably carry a speed limit. The aim is to attract more bicycle commuters as well as children, tourists and people making slow, functional trips by bike.’

‘We will obviously take into account informal trading and pedestrian access to park benches on these routes,’ notes Tukushe.

NMT has always been closely associated with environmental sustainability, because of its minimal impact on fossil fuel usage, noise and air pollution. In addition, everyone in Cape Town has the right to quality and reasonable access of places, goods and services – not only people who can afford to buy and use motor vehicles, he adds.

In some European and north American cities, up to 50% of trips are by bicycle.

The City’s NMT Strategy therefore aims to:

• Increase cycling and enable walking as modes of travel
• Create safer pedestrians and cyclists environments
• Develop a quality, attractive and dignified environment
• Promote a changed culture that accepts the use of cycling and walking as acceptable means to move around in the city.

Pedestrian and bike routes are also planned between Cape Town Station, through the CBD, and to the Green Point Stadium, as well as along the proposed IRT (Integrated Rapid Transit) routes.