The Sea Point Promenade is so much more than a sunset strip, writes Cape {town} Etc’s Robyn Simpson. It’s iconic. When I moved to the Cape from Durban seven years ago, it was one of the first things I wanted to do — squeak some tekkie on the prom.
I’ve spent much time roaming the iconic pathway. It’s provided fresh ocean air and sunlight after a bad day, a place where I’ve had life changing conversations with friends, I’ve burnt out my lungs racing my partner to the park and even lost my temper at a tourist throwing rocks at a homeless man sleeping under a tree. The Sea Point Promenade has seen me at my best and worst.
One of my favourite things to do is grab a coffee and bagel from Kleinsky’s and make my way down to the ocean’s edge. From a bench, the grass, or occasionally a park swing, I can sit and watch the people go by for hours. People of all backgrounds, cultures, ages, shapes and sizes flock to enjoy it. People on bikes, boards or just waddling along holding hands.
This week, the City proposed making the promenade a ‘pedestrians only zone’. I was shocked because for me, the vibrancy and crazed energy of the walk is what makes it one of the most sought-after attractions in the Mother City. It’s a melting pot of culture and activity. That and the 360-degree views, of course.
The announcement sparked a debate amongst locals. Personally, I’ve never been bothered by the business of the promenade. But I do understand the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, Rob Quintas’ point:
“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, skate, scooter etc, for leisure can still do so. But only along the sidewalk of Beach Road, from Mouille Point to the Pavilion swimming pool.
The proposal seems to have been born out of a battle between pedestrians and cyclists. Sea Point ward councillor Nicola Jowell mentioned that Subcouncil 16 has received many complaints about conflict between these two groups. Additionally, there have been reports of people, particularly the elderly, being injured by bikes.
So, 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 on peddling bicycles, 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. As I did seven years ago, people come for the Sea Point Promenade experience. Not to be a Beach Road bystander.
Cape Town’s first drop-and-go bicycle rental company, Up Cycles, pleaded “please don’t ban our bikes from the Sea Point Promenade” on Twitter.
Our readers responded, too:
- “Really, that will kill so many businesses.”
- “What about the jobs created for those running businesses on the promenade.”
- What about the bicycle rental stands? They won’t survive.”
Cape {town} Etc set up some social media polls to read what you have to say, and the results are very interesting. Let’s dive in.
Our Instagram and Twitter family is mostly for the pedestrians only zone. 65% of our ‘grammers said ‘yes’ to the City’s proposed plan and 64% of our tweeps said ‘yes’ too.
Our Facebook family provided some great insight (a few of you should really join a debating team). The general consensus was two fold: the promenade being big enough for everyone to enjoy versus people on wheels being reckless and causing injury.
Should the Sea Point Promenade be a ‘pedestrians only zone’?
Here are some of your responses…
Team ‘open for all’:
- “No. The promenade should be an inclusive space for all (E-scooters, pedestrians, skaters, and cyclists).”
- “No, leave it the way it is please and signs for cyclists to give way to pedestrians. Rather address the dog owners who don’t pick up their dogs dumps and the homeless people lying around and who dump on the beaches.”
- “Leave as it is introduce some guidelines for safety.”
- “No. It should have a designated lane for bicycles, roller blades, kiddies bikes. It certainly is wide enough. I have memories of roller skating there in the 70s.”
- No. It should be enjoyed by all. Max speeds must be lowered on electric scooters and they can introduce a bike lane. This MUST be tested first before taking drastic measures and introducing a ban.”
- “Maybe don’t walk on the promenade? I can guarantee we [cyclists] ain’t going anywhere.”
- “No. It should be open to all. How can you expect a tourist, for example, to cycle on the dangerous road?”
- “The promenade is a pathway, not a walkway. It was designed with all users in mind.”
- “The promenade is such a magnificent stretch and it almost feels unfair to block individuals from enjoying its beauty.”
- “No. Worst case the bicycle, skateboards, and mobility things, get a lane closest to the grass edge. The mix creates the fantastic energy.”
Team ‘take your bike to Beach Road’:
- “Pedestrians only. Tired of cyclists riding straight at people and expecting them to give way.”
- “Yes! Got run over by bicycles in the past.”
- “From someone who has had to have surgery from a rental bike – YES!”
- “Oh YES! I have a friend still struggling with an injury incurred by a kid on a bike!”
- “Yes. It’s no longer safe moving from one side to the other. It’s exactly the same as crossing the road now. Horribly dangerous with youngsters and others traveling at high speeds on scooters and bicycles.”
- “Pedestrians only. A lane for cyclists. Ticket them should they transgress. Skateboarders and roller blades also to make use of the cyclists lane.”
- “Why is there always that one person who wants to cycle, not leisurely, but at a ridiculous speed. This gets the pedestrians tempers up as it’s dangerous. Speed traps for cyclists.”
- “Yes, over weekends it is not safe to walk on the promenade because of e-scooters and bicycles.”
- “Pedestrians only please. I had an experience where a cyclist almost rode into me.”
- “Yes, pedestrians have a right to walk freely.”
Many responders made some suggestions as a way for the promenade to work for everyone. Rules, cycling only for leisure (not speed), or creating a flow with designated lanes and times, for example.
The middle-grounders:
- “Both. There’s more than enough space! Where else can children learn to ride a bike?”
- “It would be nice if a separate cycle lane could be constructed. There are some in-a-hurry road cyclists and they can, of course, use the road. But there are also plenty of family and recreational cyclists that just want a safe space to enjoy.”
- “Implement some guidelines to avoid collisions. For example; cyclists stay right and walkers/runners on left.”
- “It can only work for both if you construct a curb in the middle to separate the two. Currently it does not work for both.”
- “There should be a skating/bike/wheels section. It shouldn’t become purely pedestrian.”
- “A combination of the two. Skateboarding and cyclists are a part of the vibrant culture. Embracing it all.”
- “Create a special lane for cyclists. Or make certain times only for cyclists.”
We asked about the promenade being made a ‘pedestrians only zone’ but enough people responded about pets and poo to make a mention here. Please people, pick up after your pets (and yourselves – don’t litter!) and make sure that you keep your fur family members on a leash.
All things considered:
Making the Sea Point Promenade a ‘pedestrians only zone’ elicits more considerations than what the City has initially proposed. This is about more than cyclists and pedestrians. Culture, the loss of jobs, business support and tourism are all important factors that will be effected by the final call.
The City has invited the public to submit their comments at the forthcoming open days:
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Tuesday, 15 March from 2pm to 7pm at the Sea Point Civic Centre on Main Road.
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Thursday, 17 March from 2pm to 7pm at the Sea Point Civic Centre on Main Road.
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Saturday, 26 March from 10am to 2pm on the grass area along the Sea Point Promenade, closest corner Rocklands Road.
Comments can also be submitted by emailing [email protected] or at www.capetown.gov.za/haveyoursay.
Will the Sea Point Promenade become a pedestrians only zone or can the City find a more inclusive solution? The final decision is eagerly awaited.
Also read:
Cape Town’s finest lead the way to the shipwreck find of the Century
Picture: Unsplash
