Open Streets to close off Main Road to cars
Part of one of Cape Town's most historic and important thoroughfares is going car free during the first Sunday of Transport Month.
On 1 October, Cape Town CBD, Woodstock, Salt River and Observatory will become a platform for Open Streets, reserving a section of the Main Road for people, not cars.
The 5km stretch will encompass one of the city's biggest road closures outside of a major sporting or cultural event such as the Cape Town Marathon, Cape Town Cycle Tour or Cape Town Carnival.
Closed to motorised vehicles, it will become an open space for pedestrians, cyclists, skateboarders, wheelchair users and other non-motorised transport users to move in safety.
Marcela Guerrero Casas, managing director and co-founder of the non-profit organisation, Open Streets Cape Town (OSCT), said: "The route features many well-known landmarks and permanent public spaces, opening up a world of possibilities for exploring, socialising, exercising and shopping."
Open Streets Days have taken place in Langa, Observatory, Mitchell's Plain, Bellville and the CBD. Until now, however, the route has been no longer than 2km.
Marcela said: "On 1 October, we will be taking a major step in expanding the programme. In Colombia, hundreds of kilometres of streets go car free every Sunday and public holiday.
"This is, of course, the example we'd eventually like to set in Cape Town: an Open Streets route that brings communities together across many different parts of the city."
Says Brett Herron, City of Cape Town's Mayoral Committee Member for Transport and Urban Development: "Open Streets forms part of our strategy to transform transport behaviour in Cape Town and encourage people to become less dependent on private vehicles.
"Ultimately, what we need to do is close a major arterial road every Sunday, and allow people to move by foot, cycle, skateboard, roller-blade, or just play on the street without cars interrupting.
"A 5km closure along a Main Road starts to get us closer to building Open Streets into the fabric of Cape Town, creating a people-friendly network that connects different parts of the city without vehicles interfering."
Naeemah Sadien, from the Development Action Group in Lower Main Road said: "Open Streets can be a great vehicle to enable residents of our city who do not feel safe to use their streets."
Robert Vogel, CEO of the Pedal Power Association said: "Creating the space for people to cycle safely and freely can be a transformative opportunity for those who do not feel comfortable getting on a bicycle on the streets of our city.
"We would like to see Open Streets grow as a regular programme. Residents from all parts of Cape Town should feel that riding a bike is not only safe, but that a bicycle is a cost-effective means of mobility that allows them to explore their city, access opportunities, and improve their health while having fun.
Bicycles bring people closer together - they connect communities, promote social integration and allow people to engage with each other on a personal level. And of course, streets are public spaces too."
Between 2013 and 2017, OSCT hosted 12 Open Streets Days in five parts of Cape Town, attracting between 3 000 and 15 000 participants at each one.
While colourful activities have brought these days to life, Open Streets can be a chance for mobility and experiencing the city in a different way.
"If the residents of the CBD, Woodstock, Salt River and Observatory enjoy taking ownership of their section of the main road, who knows, maybe Open Streets Main Road will grow to connect further south and beyond," said Marcela.