Advocating for commuter cycling in Jozi
Advocating for commuter cycling in Jozi
In a shock move during his acceptance speech, Mayor Mashaba announced that the R70 million budgeted on bicycle lanes would not go ahead. “When every road in Joburg is tarred, then maybe the city will again look at bicycle lanes,” Mashaba said
In a city which “honours” vechicles and is extremely dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists, the need to put the human being ahead of a motorized vechicle is essential. Infrustructural change can promote and safegaurd the lives of thousands of comuters daily.
There are 10 000 people a day travelling between Sandton and Alex at peak hours who use taxis and other transport. But when the new pedestrian bridge over the M1 was completed, people would be able to walk or cycle there, saving thousands of rand in transport costs.
Within a few years, Joburgers would be able to cycle or walk from Sandton to Alexandra, from Orlando to Noordgesig and from Rosebank toSandton through Melrose Arch or Parkview. These lanes were intended to alter the mindsets of people to get them out of their cars and to get fit. It was also part of our complete streets concept, which allows easy accessibility for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles, and promotes public transport.
The complete streets also involved new signage, lighting, street furniture, benches, proper pavements and cycling links to Rea Vaya stations to encourage the use of outdoor areas, business, entertainment and shopping nodes.
Johannesburg Urabn Cyclist Association is fighting for the rights of cyclist in Jozi.
Open Letter to City of Johannesburg Executive Mayor Councillor Herman Mashaba
Dear Mayor Mashaba
The Johannesburg Urban Cyclist Association (JUCA) have noted with concern your recent pronouncements, without consultation, on reallocation of budgets for cycling.
We would appreciate the benefit of an audience with yourself and the MMC Transport so we get clarity on the implications of your decision.
We would not want to presume your views and would require further clarity on the following:
1. What is the status of existing and already completed cycling infrastructure?
2. What is the status of cycling infrastructure currently under construction – including the bridge between Alexandra and Sandton?
3. What is the DA Johannesburg’s policy on non-motorized transport? Johannesburg is a city in which two-thirds of households do not have access to private cars.
We at JUCA remain convinced of the multiplier benefits of cycling as a mode of commuter mobility together with walking. These include and are not restricted to:
1. Healthier lifestyles,
2. Improved air quality,
3. Better use of limited urban space,
4. Household savings on mobility costs,
5. Improved access,
6. Safety for all categories of road users.
We hereby request for a reply and/or meeting with yourself as soon as possible so we get official clarity on these matters.
With anticipation,
The Board of Directors, JUCA