Mayor Cycles to Work on World Car Free Day

Signaling the City of Cape Town's commitment to promote non-motorised transport, Mayor Zille will join Andrew Wheeldon of the Bicycle Empowerment Network (BEN) on a tandem and cycle the eight km or so from the Baxter Theatre in Rosebank to Cape Town's Civic Centre on the Foreshore.

"This is an opportunity for pedestrians and cyclists to take to the streets and reclaim the roads for more efficient, environmentally friendly and healthier forms of transport," says Councillor Elizabeth Thompson, Mayoral Committee Member for Transport, Roads and Stormwater.

"For just one day, local authorities across the world will demonstrate their commitment to the environment by restricting motorised traffic in certain areas, encouraging the use of sustainable modes of transport, and thus raise awareness of the negative environmental impacts of the modes of transport being used extensively at present.

"As this is the 350th anniversary of Cape Town, we aim to get at least 350 cyclists to accompany the Mayor by cycling the full distance or joining along the way. This initiative is fully supported by the Bicycle Empowerment Network and the Pedal Power Association," Cllr Thompson says.

After the morning ride-in, Mayor Zille will present bicycles as prizes to the winning pupil with the best Car Free Day essay, as well as a participant who either joined the cycle ride with the Mayor, or used public transport to commute to the Civic Centre.

As part of the City of Cape Town's World Car Free Day celebrations, some roads in Somerset West will be closed to motorised transport from 11:00. For three hours, these roads will be for the exclusive use of pedestrians and non-motorised transport users such as cyclists, roller-bladers, skate boarders and wheelchair users.

Metro Police will be at key points to assist traffic flow. Queries regarding Somerset West road closures can be directed to Gary Morris at 021 856 8007.

Morning event in Cape Town (06:45 to 09:30)
Venue: From Baxter Theatre in Rosebank to Cape Town Civic Centre

Midday Event in Somerset West (11:00 to 14:00)
Venue: Somerset West Town Hall in Main Road

All media are welcome to attend.

Issued by:
Lisle Brown
Media Liaison Officer
Tel: 021 400 3065
Directorate: Communication and Marketing
City of Cape Town
Tel: 021 400 2201
Fax: 021 957 0023

Media queries:
Vincent Jonas
Executive Support Officer for Cllr Elizabeth Thompson
Tel: 021 400 1377