Residents, pedestrians and cyclists using the Sea Point Promenade have mixed emotions about the City’s proposal to turn the promenade into a pedestrian-only zone.
The move would prohibit peddle cyclists, skateboarders and rollerbladers and force them to use the sidewalk on the seaside of Beach Road.
The City says the proposal is applicable to the Sea Point Promenade, from where it starts in Mouille Point to the Pavilion swimming pool. Residents and interested parties have until Sunday 10 April to comment on the proposal.
Promenade user Paola de Vito says: “I love when people are enjoying the Promenade and having a great time, but I do think that it’s a bit dangerous with the bicycles and the scooters. I think they should keep the Promenade as it is and make a path next to the Promenade just for cyclists and those on scooters so that it’s all together, don’t separate the people.”
Mirjana Roelofse, a cyclist, agrees: “It’s a good idea for the cyclists to use the pavement instead”.
Natalie Trutwein, says: “I agree that e-bikes and cyclists need to use the sidewalk and the Promenade purely for pedestrians. You don’t hear cyclists or e-bikes and because it’s quite a popular pathway they don’t ring a bell. It’s difficult to jump out of the way when the cyclists are coming because they come at such a speed.”
Yona Gxasheka says: “I think it is fine the way it is now for pedestrians and bicycles, because I think it’s not safe for people who are maybe using a bicycle for the first time to ride next to the cars.”
Rookaya Rahaman, who enjoys the promenade using an electric scooter, says: “Ideally we should not change it so everyone enjoys the views.”
The City says the proposal is informed by a five-month-long investigation into how the promenade is being used, and by whom, and a site visit by Mayco member for urban mobility Rob Quintas, local ward councillors and professionals from the urban mobility directorate in September last year.
The use of the Sea Point Promenade from Mouille Point to the Pavilion swimming pool was subsequently investigated for five months, from 1 February to June 2021.
Quintas said it was found about 90% of those using the promenade are pedestrians strolling to enjoy the scenic environment or joggers. “Many of these are vulnerable people, such as children and the elderly, who are frail and at risk of serious injury.”
He said some changes are being recommended to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all who visit this iconic stretch.
Quintas says: “Cape Town as a destination welcomes cyclists, mountain biking or otherwise, along our scenic roads around the peninsula. I want to make it clear the proposal is that those who cycle for leisure in Sea Point can still do so, but along the pavement on the seaside of Beach Road from Mouille Point to the pavilion swimming pool.”
Nicola Jowell, Ward 54 councillor, says Subcouncil 16 received many complaints and reports about the conflict between pedestrians and those on bicycles and motorised devices over the past few years.
“Of concern is that elderly visitors have ended up in hospital after crashes because people on bicycles and e-bikes go much faster than those on feet. Some of these devices are also heavy and can cause serious injuries. This is why I requested the transport directorate in January 2020 to do an investigation and come up with possible solutions.”
A report with recommendations about the recreational use of the promenade served before Subcouncil 16 in September 2021.
The proposal is as follows:
- 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 peddle bicycles, skateboarders, and rollerbladers should share the pavement on the seaside of Beach Road; and
- No e-bikes, e-scooters or motorised devices should be allowed on the promenade or on the pavement on Beach Road’s sea side.
Interested and affected parties are invited to obtain more information and submit their comments at the following open days:
- Tuesday, 15 March, from 14:00 to 19:00 at the Sea Point Civic Centre on Main Road.
- Thursday, 17 March from 14:00 to 19:00 at the Sea Point Civic Centre on Main Road.
- Saturday, 26 March from 10:00 to 14:00 on the grass area along the Sea Point Promenade, closest corner Rocklands Road.
Quintas encouraged residents, visitors to the promenade, and other interested and affected parties to comment on the recommendation.
He says historically, the Sea Point Promenade was reserved for pedestrians and only in 2013 it was decided to allow other users as well.
“However, over the past eight years or so we have seen an increase in the number of visitors to the promenade, an increase in the speed of some of these devices, and subsequently more conflict between users. Given these challenges I think it is an opportune time to reconsider this decision and to give residents and those who use the promenade regularly the opportunity to voice their opinion.”
Comments can also be submitted in any of the following ways:
- Online by emailing transport.info@capetown.gov.za, quote ref: 7200334254.
- Online at www.capetown.gov.za/haveyoursay
