Premier Alan Winde, Transport and Public Works MEC Daylin Mitchell and Community Safety and Police Oversight MEC Reagan Allen joined the Pedal Power Association on a 10km cycling trip to promote cycling.
Last Thursday, Mr Winde cycled from his Wale Street office to the Pedal Power Association’s Mowbray offices, where he joined the rest of the group and cycled along the Liesbeek Parkway to the Woodstock Exchange and back to Mowbray.
The event was part of October Transport Month activities promoting mobility and safety initiatives across the province.
The government has through the Provincial Sustainable Transport Programme (PSTP), initiated by the Department of Transport and Public Works, distributed more than 2 000 bicycles to various functioning mobility programmes, including neighbourhood watches since its inception in 2019.
The programme supports the development and implementation of sustainable transport systems in the province.
Mr Winde believes cycling can tackle congestion and pollution while offering people access to economic opportunities.
“We need to further inculcate a culture of cycling in our province, to highlight how bicycles can be better used by people to get to their destinations, whether it is school or their place of employment,” he said.
“Given the alarming lack of reliable and safe public transport, an issue the Western Cape government is trying to address through the establishment of the Mobility Ministry, the humble bicycle also offers those who used to rely on trains, for example, an alternative to move around.”
Mr Mitchell said he was committed to working with infrastructure partners in driving investment in walking and cycling infrastructure.
“This includes the development of sidewalks and safe crossings, as well as the reallocation of scarce road space towards these most sustainable modes of transport.
“I have had the privilege of being part of the bicycle distribution programmes that benefit communities across the province.
“I will also engage other spheres of government as we need to pay special attention when we design our communities and promote non-motorised transport.”
As part of Mobility Month, Mr Mitchell handed over 20 bicycles to the Ned Doman High School in Athlone last week.
