Ten Things to Know about the EcoMobility World Festival 2015
28 September 2015
1. It is coming to Sandton this week
Joburg will be the second major world city to host this global event in partnership with Local Governments for Sustainability. In 2013 it attracted more than 600 delegates from 40 countries to join the million residents of Suwon in South Korea for a month of car-free activities.
2. Take a look at your future
Residents and visitors will get a glimpse of a future city where public transport takes precedence and infrastructure is in place to encourage walking and cycling.
3. It is all about the bike… and the legs.
Parts of the Sandton CBD will be sealed off for private vehicles during the festival and the streets will be turned into pedestrian - and biker friendly environments.
4. Joburg is showing the way
The City has already initiated the construction of dedicated cycle lanes and improved sidewalks across Johannesburg. A 5-kilometre development in Orlando, Soweto, is completed; the route linking Alexandra with Sandton and a 20km stretch in Ivory Park will be finished in 2016.
5. Seamless rides are possible
Safe public transport alternatives are vital to the success of an ecomobile future. The City is working to develop a seamless transport system where people can switch from the Gautrain to Metrobus and Rea Vaya, to taxis, to cycling and walking in one, integrated network.
6. The Mayor likes the idea
“We want to show the world that an ecomobile future is possible and that public transport, walking and cycling can be accessible, safe and attractive…” Cllr Mpho Parks Tau, Executive Mayor of Johannesburg.
7. You can have your say
A number of EcoMobility dialogues will be hosted from 5 to 9 October where members of the public can join international experts and activists to discuss the role of transport in climate change and what it will take to achieve an ecomobile future.
8. It is not ‘all talk and no play’
Sandton in October will be a real fun place to be. Pop-up parks, restaurants and food stalls and entertainment stands will be located on the roads that are being closed for normal traffic. Members of the public will be able to take a ride on ecomobility vehicles that are used in other cities in the world such as tuk-tuks, pedicabs and electric vehicles.
9. You can bring your friends.
The streets of Sandton will be alive with activities and opportunities for leisure throughout October. Sporting activities such as action soccer and action netball will be hosted and daily walks and cycle rides for the whole family will take place to encourage healthy living.
10. The future starts… now
Sustainable transport can help to mitigate climate change and reduce carbon emissions. The decisions we take today – as both government and private residents – will determine the future for coming generations.
For more information visit www.ecomobilityfestival.org or watch the documentaries atwww.theurbanidea.com