Johannesburg - Johannesburg cyclists on Saturday requested a meeting with mayor Herman Mashaba over his newly-adopted policy to scrap further development of bicycle lanes in the city.
The Johannesburg Urban Cyclists Association (Juca) penned an open letter to Mashaba saying they had noted with concern his recent pronouncements, without consultation, on reallocation of budgets for cycling.
“We would appreciate the benefit of an audience with yourself and the MMC [mayoral committee member for] transport so we get clarity on the implications of your decision,” Juca’s board of directors said in the letter.
This comes after Mashaba, earlier this week, put the brakes on a R70 million budget set aside by the previous African National Congress administration for further development of bicycle lanes around the city, vowing to re-allocate the money to Alexandra township.
“I intend putting a halt to this project. When every road in Johannesburg is tarred, maybe then we will look at bicycle lanes,” Mashaba said during his acceptance speech at a council meeting on Tuesday.
Former mayor Parks Tau came under fire from the Economic Freedom Fighters for building bicycle lanes while residents needed tarred roads and houses. EFF leader Julius Malema said the project was a waste of money meant to sideline the city’s poor.
Juca said it did not want to presume Mashaba’s views on the issue, but would require further clarity on the status of existing and already completed cycling infrastructure.
“What is the status of cycling infrastructure currently under construction – including the bridge between Alexandra and Sandton?” Juca asked.
“What is the DA [Democratic Alliance] Johannesburg’s policy on non-motorised transport? Johannesburg is a city in which two-thirds of households do not have access to private cars.”
The voluntary organisation for cyclists said it remained convinced of the multiple benefits of cycling as a mode of commuter mobility together with walking.
“We hereby request for a reply and/or meeting with yourself as soon as possible so we get official clarity on these matters.
With anticipation,” Juca said.
Mashaba’s spokesperson Phindile Chauke was not immediately available for comment on Saturday.
African News Agency