The City of Cape Town proposed making the Sea Point Promenade a ‘pedestrian-only zone’ which has since sparked a debate amongst locals. 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, 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.
Culture, the loss of jobs, business support and tourism are all important factors that will be affected by the final call. Cape Town’s drop-and-go bicycle rental company, Up Cycles took to Twitter on Saturday, 19 March, to express their frustration after they claimed that City of Cape Town reportedly “criminalised” them, their customers and anyone who wants to ride their bike on the prom.
This comes after Law Enforcement officers allegedly threatened bike riders with R300 fines on Sea Point Promenade and forced them onto the pavement. “We’d love to know who issued the instruction, and why,” Up Cycles said in their tweet to which The GOOD Party’s Brett Herron responded by saying “The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind”. It’s right there in your face.”
“As far as we know, the proposal has not been passed yet?” the company said, adding that “After 10 years of making people happy, this is real shock to the system.”
These are the open days where the public can submit their comments on making the Sea Point Promenade a ‘pedestrian-only zone’, as per the City of Cape Town:
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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.
Up Cycles went on to say “Seriously @CityofCT, there are many more important things to spend your time and money on. Poverty, inequality, homelessness, violent crime, just to name a few. Get your priorities right.”
They then posted a photo of Law Enforcement officers walking on the prom, and said that these are “Cape Town’s finest Law Enforcement Officers… We all feel much safer now.”
According to the company, these Law Enforcement officers are alleged to be from Bellville, with motives of reportedly implementing a 2004 ban on bicycles “What is going on @RobQuintas? @Transport_CT?” Up Cycles asked.
This is the City’s proposal, according to an earlier statement:
- 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
Cape {town} Etc has reached out to the City of Cape Town and is awaiting a response.
Also read:
Sea Point Promenade as a ‘pedestrians only zone’? Your results are in
Picture: Supplied