{"id":29763,"date":"2014-03-31T18:35:39","date_gmt":"2014-03-31T16:35:39","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/2014\/03\/gautengers-urged-to-get-on-your-bike-and-ride\/"},"modified":"2014-03-31T18:35:39","modified_gmt":"2014-03-31T16:35:39","slug":"gautengers-urged-to-get-on-your-bike-and-ride","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/press\/gautengers-urged-to-get-on-your-bike-and-ride\/","title":{"rendered":"Gautengers urged to \u2018Get on your bike and ride!\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"

Gauteng is exploring new measures to promote the use of bicycles as a viable transport option in the province.<\/p>\n

On Monday, the Gauteng Transport Commission (GTC) hosted a provincial Cycling Indaba, in Boksburg, aimed at promoting the streamlining of non-motorised transport as a viable option in the province.<\/p>\n

The commission aims to distribute 3000 bicycles towards scholar transport and further create 5km of cycle lanes in Vosloorus and 10km in Kaalfontein at the City of Johannesburg.<\/p>\n

Departmental spokesperson Octavia Mamabolo said according to the GTC, using a bicycle was affordable and would allow learners to get to school faster and safely.<\/p>\n

It also promotes a healthy lifestyle as exercise becomes a built-in part of daily life.<\/p>\n

Mamabolo said the non-motorised transport master plan seeks to integrate all municipal non-motorised transport network plans, commit sustainable sources of funding non-motorised transport, and invest in shared road usage while including cycling and pedestrian infrastructure in the design and maintenance of road projects.<\/p>\n

“The creation of a dedicated network of high quality pedestrian and cycling routes will promote social integration amongst city residents, integrating cycling at public transport nodes by making cycling cool through awareness and mind-set change<\/p>\n

“Amending relevant technical roads standards and planning requirements will also reduce road deaths which amount to for 40% of road fatalities, which occur at intersections and cost the public health system, police, traffic departments and third party claims to escalate,” she said.<\/p>\n

The City of Joburg infrastructure roll out programme includes Alexandra integrated walking, cycling and public transport. Non-motorised transport plan in Alexandra is expected to improve sidewalks and dedicate cycle ways leading and linking Longmeadow\/Linbro Park and Marlboro station.<\/p>\n

A link from the Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) public transport interchange to Sandton via Grayson over a dedicated bridge with Katherine will be completed in January 2017.<\/p>\n

Mamabolo said the GTC advocated the use of non-motorised transport to reduce congestion on Gauteng roads; create cleaner and sustainable cities and a healthier population.<\/p>\n

“The challenge above acknowledges the need to shift to a new paradigm and policy approach for making non-motorised transport a mode of choice for short distances as well as for recreation,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za<\/p>\n

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