Thousands now cycle because once a year, since 1978, the Argus Cycle Tour clears the beautiful roads around the Cape Peninsula of motorised vehicles to allow cyclists to ride. The event, which has been replicated elsewhere in the country, is globally renowned and exists today as the Cape Town Cycle Tour. It has become Cape Town’s premier annual tourist attraction, supporting permanent businesses as well as charities.
When that young children get their first bicycle they learn to ride in no time at all and revel in the speed they can achieve. Adults cycle for recreation and utility, because a bicycle enables them to travel much faster than walking and gives them a top speed about twice as fast as they can run.
Our road system remains hostile to cyclists, inhibiting many and prompting others to take to the hills for safety, fresh air and delightful scenery. But the hills are not where the houses, schools, shops, offices, restaurants and people are who want to ride.
Retro-fitting a network of effective (safe, attractive, continuous and direct) bicycle paths into an established urban area is extremely challenging. In 1979 Cape Town approved an ambitious three-year plan to do just this. Sadly, that little was attempted before the project was abandoned, losing opportunities that existed then. A concerted effort is underway again and needs encouragement.
Do not lose this opportunity!
It is astounding that for 18 years the most idyllic and practical cycling and walking trail in southern Africa has been ignored. Equally remarkable is it has not been lost, because it would be impossible regain.