End-of-trip facilities for cyclists and realignment of current South African bicycle legislation

Abstract

In this paper, the need to provide more End-of-Trip Facilities (EOTF) for cyclists (and/or other Non-Motorised Transport (NMT) users) is highlighted. Almost all Governmental Departments (DoT, Provincial Government and Local Municipalities) have developed a Non-Motorised Transport Plan/ Policy/ Strategy/ Masterplan in response to addressing Travel Demand Management and to promote the use of Public Transport and NMT. Traditional planning legislation requires all new developments to provide vehicular parking to cater for the anticipated use. However, at present, little legislation exists to encourage/compel new developments to provide bicycle parking and bicycle facilities, which could greatly promote the use of Non-Motorised Transport. All major cities within South Africa are currently investing in NMT infrastructure or associated awareness programmes, but very little is being done regarding EOTF, which (apart from travel distance) is believed to be one of the most important criteria towards whether a commuter would chose to journey to the workplace by bicycle versus continue to use their private vehicle. This paper therefore explores the current South African legislation and highlights potential inhibiters to creating a commute modal shift towards NMT. A case study of an existing business complex without end-of-trip facilities is given, and the behavioural change measured following the introduction of some end-of-trip facilities is analysed.