The City of Cape Town is expanding its the Non-Motorised Transport (NMT) network across the city in an drive to realise its vision of cycle and pedestrian friendly city.

Recently the Mayoral Committee Member for Transport, Roads and Stormwater, Councillor Brett Herron, was taken on a site visit of some of the next planned phases of the NMT aspects of the City’s public transport plans.

“The City remains committed to the development of pedestrian and cycle facilities across Cape Town, for all its citizens. We want to make it safer for everyone to move across the city, whichever form of transport they use,” said Councillor Herron.

“Our future vision for transport in Cape Town is a cycle and pedestrian friendly city with a well-connected network of NMT infrastructure providing the opportunity to walk or cycle or skateboard as far as you like on safe, dedicated lanes. There are 19 projects in various stages of development across Cape Town. And they form part of moving Cape Town towards the vision, a vision that has already become a reality in many areas.

“The City was recognised in January at the Sustainable Transport Awards in the USA, for its commitment to building an integrated public transport system. And today, this is what we see in action – how people will be able walk, cycle or take public transport to wherever they want to go,” said Councillor Herron.

Currently there are a number of city-wide NMT projects that are in the design, tender or construction phases.

“I was particularly impressed to see how the development of the NMT network across Cape Town has been contributing to job creation, through the Extended Public Works Programme (EPWP). The cosmetic changes brought about by the construction of cycle lanes and path ways also make a positive impact on the upliftment of areas.

“These projects are more than just walkways and cycle lanes,” said Herron. “They also include street furniture such as benches, speed humps, raised pedestrian tables, signage, landscaping, bollards and cycle racks.”

In the Khayelitsha area, the following NMT projects have been completed: Spine Road phases I & II, Walter Sisulu phase I & II, Site C NMT facilities, Khayelitsha NMT greenbelt and Steve Biko Drive. The Spine Road project was analysed within a broader traffic calming context, hence the comprehensive and ‘total package’ response. Local labour was used for these projects.

A city-wide pedestrian and cycle network has been developed and as funds become available, the network will be extended, in terms of prioritisation of projects and respective areas. The intention is to develop and to continually review, a comprehensive city-wide pedestrian and cycle network for Cape Town.

Although walking and cycling in itself are sustainable forms of movement, the planning approach requires network and systems integration thinking, and total travel chain appreciation, since walking and cycling must integrate with road-based and rail systems.

For this reason, NMT access to public transport interchanges is regarded as important and included in NMT planning and networks. Capetonians should be able to, for example, cycle or walk safely to their closest public transport access point.

“I hope that Capetonians and any visitor to our city will make use of these facilities to move from point A to point B, safely and in comfort. We want road users to share the road responsibly, with respect for each other.

“In particular, I hope that participants of this year’s Cape Argus Cycle Tour will utilise our cycle lanes to safely train for this year’s race,” said Councillor Herron.