After several discussions, debates and nearly 2 000 commentaries later, the proposal that the Sea Point Promenade be reserved for the exclusive use of pedestrians only is off the table.
The City announced last week that the promenade will remain open for all recreational activities, including cycling.
The City’s Urban Mobility Directorate received nearly 2 000 comments on proposals for the recreational use of the Sea Point Promenade during the public participation process that took place from Thursday 10 March to Sunday 10 April.
The process was as a result of concerns submitted to Subcouncil 16 from residents about the growing conflict between pedestrians and those on fast moving bicycles and motorised devices over the past few years.
Rob Quintas, Mayco member for urban mobility, says the outcome of the public participation process and the City’s recommendations on the way forward confirm that they are eager to collaborate with residents, and that they take their comments and proposals seriously.
“Our residents spoke loud and clear: they want the promenade to be open to all, be it for walking or jogging, or cycling, and we have heard them. The majority of submissions did not agree with the proposal to ban cyclists and motorised devices from the promenade. I want to thank all who have participated in this process, for attending the open days, and submitting comments.”
The urban mobility directorate recommended the following:
- That bicycles, skateboards and rollerblades are permitted on the promenade.
- The use of e-bikes and e-scooters is also permitted, subject to the approval by the City’s recreation and parks department who manages public open spaces – including the promenade – in the Cape Town metro.
- The sidewalk along Beach Road, adjacent to the promenade, is for the exclusive use of pedestrians.
- Going forward, the City’s recreation and parks department is responsible for managing the Sea Point Promenade.
- The report advises the department to consider the following recommendations:
- Determine the requirements and conditions for the use of e-bikes, scooters and e-scooters.
- That the department undertakes an awareness campaign to inform users that the promenade is a shared space.
- To install new updated signage to inform the public of the permitted uses and restrictions on the promenade.
Patricia van der Ross, Mayco member for community services and health, says they note the recommendations and will provide the public with feedback regarding their progress.
Sibusiso Mvumvu, Supervisor at Up-Cycles, a bicycle renting company, says: “We are happy because our customers are free to ride anywhere they like. The sidewalk that was suggested is small and it is dangerous for kids to cycle there.”
He says the outcome of the public participation is favourable as it comes ahead of their busy season.
“We welcome this announcement; it is now spring so we are expecting more customers and tourists to come here.”
Promenade user Dilshaad Adams says she still prefers that the promenade be used by pedestrians only and those on “bicycles and scooters will obstruct pedestrians and small children”.
Pedestrian Sue Lipman says: “It is good for everyone to enjoy the promenade, however those that want to speed, cyclists wearing their helmets and fast bikes must be cognisant of the fact that there are elderly people, young kids, and for those on the scooters there should be a speed limit, it should be controlled.”
Carol Russ, a cyclist, says: “They must demarcate a lane for cyclists. We can all use the promenade as long as we are in our lanes. They mustn’t take it away, it’s better to be cycling or walking than sitting and drinking or doing drugs.”
Van der Ross says: “Given the increase in the number of visitors to the promenade, and an increase in bicycles and motorised devises, we will consider awareness campaigns to inform and educate all users about the rules of shared spaces. This will be in the interest of the safety of all visitors.”
