- Claremont’s CBD is introducing Cape Town’s first 3D pedestrian crossings to improve safety and promote walking as a sustainable transport mode.
- The project, a partnership between CIDC, Ward councillor Mikhail Manuel, and the Roads and Infrastructure Management Department, addresses rising pedestrian accidents.
- Stakeholders hope this pilot project will inspire pedestrian-focused infrastructure across Cape Town.
Claremont’s Central Business District (CBD) is undergoing a pedestrian-friendly transformation with the implementation of innovative 3D pedestrian crossings. This initiative, a partnership between the Claremont Improvement District Company (CIDC), Ward councillor Mikhail Manuel, and the Roads and Infrastructure Management Department (RIM), aims to address the area’s high pedestrian accident rates and promote walking as a sustainable mode of transport.
The first crossing is currently being installed at the intersection of Campground and Main Roads.
Manuel highlighted the significance of this collaboration, stating: “This is the first time a City Improvement District has partnered with RIM and the City of Cape Town to introduce such a visually striking and functional pedestrian safety measure.”
Cape Town’s population is expected to reach 5,8 million by 2040, a growth trajectory that will place significant pressure on the city’s infrastructure. Currently, private motor vehicles dominate the transport landscape, contributing to Cape Town’s status as the most congested city in South Africa and among the top 50 globally.
“Cape Town can no longer afford to prioritise cars over people,” the CIDC noted in a statement. The organisation emphasised that walking is the most common mode of transport in the city, yet infrastructure development has often overlooked pedestrian needs.
The colourful 3D crossings are designed to increase driver awareness and reduce accidents in areas with heavy foot traffic. According to the CIDC, the initiative is part of a broader effort to shift the focus from vehicle-centric planning to pedestrian-friendly urban design.
The roads and infrastructure management department is optimistic about the impact of the project.
“These crossings are not just about safety; they are about encouraging sustainable and accessible urban mobility,” said a spokesperson for the department.
The pilot project in Claremont could serve as a model for other high-traffic areas in Cape Town. With walking as a sustainable alternative to car travel, stakeholders hope the initiative will inspire further investment in pedestrian-focused infrastructure across the city.
As construction continues, the partnership is looking ahead to additional crossings on Claremont’s Main Road and beyond, fostering a safer and more pedestrian-friendly urban environment.
