Gauteng Cycling Indaba puts cyclists in the spotlight

10 October 2016

 

Johannesburg Executive Mayor Cllr Herman Mashaba is scheduled to open the 2016 Gauteng Cycling Indaba at the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) in Sandton on Tuesday October 11.

 

The two-day event is organised by the Gauteng Provincial Department of Roads and Transport in collaboration with the Netherlands embassy as part of the province’s Transport Month programme.

October was declared Transport Month in 2005 to create awareness of the important role transport plays in the economy. The aim of this week’s indaba is to create a platform for cyclists, local bicycle companies, agencies, various spheres of government and stakeholders to exchange knowledge and expertise with cycling experts from the Netherlands.

Mayor Mashaba will also take part in an hour-long discussion with Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Ismail Vadi and the Netherlands Ambassador to South Africa Marisa Gerards, among others, on the importance of cycling and investment in cycling infrastructure.

During his 15-minute opening address, Cllr Mashaba is expected to shed more light on the City’s bicycle lane project that was recently put on ice. The project was launched in 2014 as part of the City’s integrated transport system.

In his maiden speech as Mayor a few weeks ago, Cllr Mashaba said he intended to put the project on hold until every road in Johannesburg was tarred. “Maybe then we will look at bicycle lanes again,” Mashaba said.

About R70-million had been set aside for the project for the next three years.

Lisa Seftel, the City’s Executive Director for Transport, has been billed to give an update on the status of the non-motorised transport system in Johannesburg.

Cycling experts from the Netherlands will share experiences on how their country has succeeded in inculcating a cycling culture. There are more than a million bicycles on the road in the Netherlands at any given time.annesburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said it was “great” to see members getting involved in the clean-up.

“We need to encourage people to look after their businesses and surroundings to help us attract investors,” said Mahlangu.