Tuesday, 19 March 2024
InfrastructureNews

Cape Town to build 160km of cycle routes by 2017 in tourism boost bid

South African tourism hot spot Cape Town is to lay down 160 kilometres of cycling routes by 2017, the Minister of Economic Opportunities has revealed.

Alan Winde said his ambition is to position the coastal region as the “Cycling Capital of Africa.”

“By the end of March next year, our goal is to have completed the track between George and Plett. As part of this process, the signage, which complies with international standards, will be erected.

“We’ll also complete an audit of accommodation, existing cycle tracks and bike shops. Part of our strategy will include launching the route through an international event,” said Minister Winde.

Driven forwards by the Western Cape Government, Wesgro, local municipalities and private sector stakeholders in the region, the project will see an investment of R4 Million.

The route will include road track, mountain trails, jeep and forest tracks.

Winde continued: “This initiative stands to deliver a major economic boost for the Western Cape, and especially for the small towns along the route. Tourism is one of this province’s biggest employers.

“Project Khulisa has identified it as the fastest growing sector. Currently, 204 000 people are employed in formal jobs in the sector and through initiatives such as the Cape to Plett route, we want to add up to a further 100 000 jobs to the sector.

“The increased economic activity the route will bring into our region will drive new economic opportunities for residents.”

This article has now been added to our analysis of cycling’s progress around the globe.

(Pic: Andres De Wet)