On Friday, 26th April 2013, the City of Cape Town launched a pilot staff bike share project. City staff members now have free access to shared bicycles which can be used for work purposes in the Cape Town CBD. The pilot project is limited to two buildings, namely the Civic Centre and 44 Wale Street. However, it is envisioned that the project will be expanded to include other buildings in the CBD and in the wider Cape Town area. It is also hoped that both public and private sector employers across Cape Town will extend this service to their staff in order to support the emergence of a more sustainable transport system in the city.
The aim of the project is to provide staff with the option of cycling instead of driving, which can save time, money and is beneficial to the environment. Bicycle travel has a number of benefits when compared to car use, including improving personal health and well-being, reducing emissions and pollution and limiting fuel and parking costs.
In conjunction with the many other cycling initiatives in Cape Town, it is envisioned that the bike share project will contribute towards transforming the transport dynamic of the CBD and the broader City.
The launch event included a cycle ride between the two buildings and a reception at 44 Wale Street attended by Brett Herron, Mayoral Committee Member for Transport, Roads and Stormwater, who expressed support for this important initiative.
The bike share project is part of the broader Travel SMART programme, a 110% GREEN flagship project, which encourages and supports the use of efficient and sustainable modes of transport.
Visit the Travel SMART website (www.capetown.gov.za/travelsmart) for more information on the pilot project.
Photographs courtesy of Bruce Sutherland