Durban - Durban is aiming to set up a network of new cycle lanes and pedestrian paths as the city rolls out a long-term plan to avoid traffic congestion and encourage more residents to pedal, walk or run to work.
One of the proposed new routes aims to link the city centre to Gateway shopping centre in uMhlanga, via Durban North.
Launching the first phase of the “Go! Durban” non-motorised transport campaign on the banks of the uMngeni River on Thursday, mayor James Nxumalo said he dreamed of creating a new cyclist-friendly and pedestrian-friendly city.
“We want to see more schoolchildren on bicycles, along with businessmen in their suits cycling to work in safety,” Nxumalo declared after pedalling from Suncoast to the Green Hub at Blue Lagoon, accompanied by top SA cyclist Nolan Hoffman and a convoy of supporters on bikes, roller-skates and scooters.
Though the launch event was thin on exact details of the “where, when and how much money has been set aside”, Nxumalo said the promenade linking uShaka to the Umgeni River Bird Park would gradually be extended to include new cycle lanes linking up with Burman Bush, Bulwer Park, the Botanic Gardens and Wilson’s Wharf.
eThekwini Transport Authority head Thami Manyathi told The Mercury that his transport planners were trying to devise a way for cyclists to travel safely from the Durban CBD to uMhlanga using a route incorporating Kenneth Kaunda Road (Northway) and Umhlanga Rocks Drive.
He said a new dedicated cycle lane running north alongside the M4 coastal highway could also be “ideal”, though there were challenges to engineer a new route through environmental corridors, nature reserves and the Virginia Airport area.
Manyathi said he would also like to create cycle and pedestrian routes for schoolchildren in uMlazi, Chatsworth, KwaMashu, Inanda, KwaXimba, uMbumbulu and Buffelsdraai.
He acknowledged concerns that residents were unlikely to start cycling to work and school unless the city created safe routes and crossings to protect them from speeding cars, trucks and taxis.
Nxumalo said cycling was one of the faster growing sports in the country, with thousands of cyclists taking part every weekend in semi-professional mountain bike and road race events.
He also hailed initiatives such as the Diepsloot Mountain Bike Academy in Gauteng which offered opportunities to underprivileged children to cycle competitively.
“We believe that this kind of programme, which has had incredible success, will work extremely well in our city,” and allow youngsters to emulate top cyclists, like Nolan Hoffman and the late Burry Stander.”
Chiding fellow executive committee members for failing to make sufficient use of the free cycles they had been given, Nxumalo said they should be seen cycling on the Promenade at least once a week.
The mayor said the city aimed to launch a “bike share” system for municipal staff as a pilot project.
“Our long-term goal is to grow and connect various areas of the city as we move towards our 2030 vision,” he said
“In the near future, we also hope to host a number of ‘City Cycle’ or ‘Ride to Work’ events to encourage people to leave their cars at home.”
As the city expanded, it was inevitable that bumper-to-bumper traffic queues and choking clouds of exhaust fumes would become the norm unless Durban moved proactively to improve public transport and non-motorised transport infrastructure, Nxumalo said.
He said the city of Curitiba in Brazil had reduced car traffic volumes by 30 percent during the past two decades by improving public transport.
The Mercury