A bicycling renaissance in South Africa? Policies, programmes & trends in Cape Town

Abstract

If social media, events calendars, procurement briefings and tenders issued are to be believed, South African cities are undergoing a bicycling revolution. ?Bicycle-friendly? is a phrase on the lips and in the speeches of political figures nationwide (CoCT 2012/02/17; Business Day 2014), at what seems to be an increasing number of Non-Motorised Transport (NMT) conferences, workshops and infrastructure launches. Curious to investigate the impact of this increased visibility of ?NMT? ? whether online, on the podium, or on the ground ? the author offers a brief view of the ?bicycle transport? aspect of NMT in Cape Town since 2003 (the year of the first National Household Travel Survey, and the Western Cape Province?s first Mobility Strategy). This overview looks at trends in bicycle policies and programmes, legislation, the development of bicycle facilities, promotional activities, and training and education. The question is, have these interventions led to an increase in bicycle transport (utility cycling)? In pursuit of an answer, the author poses further questions: what data exists to compare use or mode-share ?then? and ?now?? How are ?bicycle-friendly? interventions evaluated and revised? And can we claim that a significant shift in utility cycling patterns is underway?