The Sea Point Promenade is one of the most visited locations in the Mother City, but it has been on everyone’s lips lately for something other than the breathtaking views that it has to offer.
Earlier this month, the City of Cape Town urged residents to share their thoughts on a proposal that would see the Sea Point Promenade become a pedestrian-only zone. Many residents, both cyclists and pedestrians, have been up in arms at the idea of excluding those who prefer hopping on a bike and drinking in the views that way.
However, the COCT has attempted to appease cyclists and businesses by stating that it simply wants to maximise the safety and enjoyment of all those looking to utilise the Promenade, as per News24.
According to a detailed five-month investigation into who utilises the promenade and how it is used, elderly residents have raised concerns about their safety.
“The potential for conflict or injury greatly increases when large-speed differentials exist between various modes that occupy the same facility,” said the 91-page report compiled by Mowana Engineers.
The proposal tabled is that cyclists, skateboarders and rollerbladers utilise the sidewalk on the seaside of Beach Road.
The Proposal
- Pedestrians should 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.
According to the mayoral committee member for urban mobility, Rob Quintas, the ward councillor and sub-council have received an increasing number of complaints regarding altercations, accidents and injuries, and conflict between pedestrians, cyclists, rollerblades, skateboarders and scooters.
“It was necessary for the City to look at the promenade holistically and put forward a proposal that would maximise safety and improve cohesion and enjoyment for all users.”
Ward councillor Nicola Jowell highlighted the main issue at hand: safety, which had been raised by numerous users with the Urban Mobility Department simply acting on and looking at new ways to address this issue.
However, various bicycle rental companies along the promenade have indicated that this could be detrimental to their business and the City, as cycling along the Promenade is a much-loved activity.
Also read:
Sea Point Promenade as a ‘pedestrians only zone’? Your results are in
Picture: Cape {town} Etc Gallery