City seeks clarity on amended traffic legislation
06 April 2025
Statement by Chairperson of the Safety and Security Portfolio Committee, Councillor Mzwakhe Nqavashe.
The City of Cape Town's Portfolio Committee on Safety and Security discussed amendments to the National Road Traffic Act at its most recent meeting this week.
The legislation was assented on 2 December – in a nutshell, any electric pedal cycle that can operate in excess of 45 kilometres per hour is now classified as a motor vehicle.
By law, a motor vehicle travelling on a public road must be registered/licensed and the driver must have a licence for that class of vehicle.
The Portfolio Committee will write to the National Minister of Transport to request further guidance on the practical application of the amendment for electric pedal cycles, so that we may:
- create awareness amongst affected road users,
- sensitise staff who will be tasked with enforcement,
- and consider any potential changes to the City's Traffic By-law that may be required
The amendment is welcomed, particularly as the City has noted an increase in the use of electric pedal cycles, but it is critical that we all have a clear understanding of the expectations accompanying it.
In the interim, we do want to remind users of these vehicles and pedal cyclists in general, that the rules of the road are applicable to them too, including:
- Stopping at red lights/stop streets
- Giving way to pedestrians at crossings where they have right of way
- Signalling
- Wearing proper safety attire like helmets
- Not utilising freeways and sidewalks
Among the more common transgressions that our Traffic Officers find are cyclists entering roadways in a manner that is unsafe, and riding on sidewalks.
End
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
