The City of Cape Town has proposed making the iconic promenade in Sea Point a ‘pedestrians only zone’.
The City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, Rob Quintas said: ‘We have found that approximately 90% of those using the promenade are pedestrians strolling to enjoy the scenic environment, or joggers. A considerable number of these visitors are vulnerable people such as children and the elderly who are frail and at risk of serious injury when run over by an electric bike, an e-scooter, or even cyclists and skateboarders going at speed.’
Quintas reiterated in his proposal that those who cycle or skate for leisure can still do so, but only along the sidewalk of Beach Road, from Mouille Point to the Pavilion swimming pool, according to Cape Town Etc.
Sea Point ward councillor Nicola Jowell mentioned that Subcouncil 16 has received many complaints about the conflict between cyclists and pedestrians. Additionally, there have been reports of people, particularly the elderly, being injured by bikes.
This is what the City wants to implement:
- Pedestrians have exclusive use of the Sea Point Promenade from where it starts in Mouille Point to the Sea Point Pavilion swimming pool.
- Prams, wheelchairs and walkers are allowed.
- Cyclists, skateboarders, and rollerbladers should share the sidewalk on the seaside of Beach Road.
- No e-bikes, e-scooters, or motorised devices should be allowed on the promenade, or on the sidewalk on the seaside of Beach Road.
Many have expressed concerns about how this strategy will hinder tourism and local businesses, like Cape Town’s first drop-and-go bicycle rental company, Up Cycles, that Tweeted: ‘Please don’t ban our bikes from the Sea Point Promenade’.
Picture: Getaway gallery
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