Cape Town – Imagine if streets were designed around people, not cars. For one day in one street this weekend, Capetonians can experience this in the city centre as Bree Street opens for foot traffic only.
Open Streets is a citizen initiative that has been embraced by the City of Cape Town. It is set to turn Bree Street into a pedestrian playground on Sunday, the day after the Minstrel Parade is due to finally take place, closing many roads around the city.
From 9am on Sunday until 2pm, Bree Street will be alive with stalls and activities. From food sellers to dance and fitness stations to board games, there is something for everybody to enjoy the street.
The city’s acting mayoral committee member for Tourism, Events and Economic Development, councillor Brett Herron, said it would “bring communities together in a shared open space to enjoy a few hours of fun-filled activities – minus the traffic congestion, some impatient motorists and fuel fumes”.
Bree Street will be blocked to parking and non-local traffic between Buitensingel and Hans Strijdom until 3pm. However, traffic down Wale, Strand and Riebeek streets will flow as normal.
Open Streets co-founder and director Marcela Guerrero Casas said:
“By taking cars out of Bree Street for five hours, you will find an assortment of yogis, artists, skateboarders, cyclists, chess players, dancers, musicians, activists and people of all ages replacing cars. On that day, a simple but powerful twist to our everyday lives will enable us to experience the city differently.”
Herron said the vibe will hark back to days when streets were playgrounds for neighbourhood children.
“Removing all motorised transport from Bree Street for a few hours will allow people to foster relationships with their neighbours, thus enhancing the sense of community in the area,” he said.
The next Open Streets will be in Langa in March.