On a recent trip to the Netherlands, I had the opportunity to experience what it is like for my family and I to safely commute by bicycle. I was wonder struck by the extensive cycling network across the country, through busy cities, to outlying areas via cycling highways. There are clear signs and dedicated traffic signals for cyclists, who always have the right of way. Young and old are out cycling from place to place and no-one wears helmets, since it is recognised as ‘safe’ for cyclists. My favourite bike was a something called a bakfiets – a bike with a ‘bak’ up front to carry all kinds of things from general stuff to babies!
But first let’s put this country into perspective – It is twice the size of Kruger Park and one third of the country is under sea level – that is why it is called the Netherlands meaning low lying country. In fact, the highest point, at 322m, is in the far south in a place called Vaalserberg. Tiny compared to the mountainous regions of South Africa. So, most of the country is a flat landscape of canals, windmills and agricultural fields. All of this is conducive for pedal power.
Coming back to South Africa, we have a completely different space. Largely mountainous areas, along with expansive desert-like and and savannah landscapes with vast distances between towns and cities. In many parts the heat is so intense the sun can melt the tarmac roads. Our roads are extensively used by the public transport system of taxis and buses, trucks for transporting goods and private transportation. Cycling is largely for the competitive sport cyclists and for those who have fewer options for daily transport.
On Monday 18th September, I joined the African Climate Alliance (ACA) on the opening day of Cape Town Climate Week. They set up a group cycle ride from Bertha House in Mowbray to the Langa Civic Hall to raise awareness of the lack of infrastructure to keep cyclists safe as well as to challenge the stereotypes associated with the Cape Flats.
Reflecting on both experiences I realise that there is so much that needs to be done to create a safe road for cyclists in South Africa. There was one cycle path in the suburbs of Athlone towards the N2 bridge heading into Langa. I was surprised, yet also so disappointed. It was on the quietest stretch of the route and it felt redundant. Why did it not connect to other cycle paths? Why was it there in the first place? I feel that places like Cape Town could have an incredible cycling network, yet there needs to be an authentic push by our government, civil society and the public to make this a reality. To create a safe cycling space didn’t just happen over night in the Netherlands, it took years to create a culture of cycling. We could never simply take the Netherlands blueprint for creating a cycling culture here in South Africa, but if we were serious about building a culture of cycling, we must create our own that speaks to the diverse needs of the people, that navigates the various social issues we face in our country.
For me, cycling isn’t just about getting from one place to the next. It’s about feeling empowered to go where I want to go, to be out in the open air, to unwind my thoughts and take the time in the day to breathe. I really enjoyed the cycle from Mowbray to Langa in a large group of fellow cyclists and would love to find more opportunities to do it again. I also recognise the importance to have conversations about mobility and to begin to create a picture of what WE want to see, so that WE can push for our vision and hold those in power accountable for the health of our future mobility.
by Project 90 by 2030 Team Member
