RECREATIONAL CYCLING ACCESS TO A
DEMARCATED CONSTANTIA VALLEY
GREENBELT ROUTE
CITY OF CAPE TOWN
CITY PARKS
October 2015
RECREATIONAL CYCLING ACCESS TO A DEMARCATED CONSTANTIA VALLEY GREENBELT ROUTE
In response to a request from the Pedal Power Association, Friends of the Constantia Valley Greenbelts Table
Mountain Bikers, Tokai MTB, Bicycle Empowerment Network (BEN), and the Tokai Foresters MTB Club the City is
considering allowing recreational off-road cycling on certain of its greenbelts in Constantia.
Background:
The popularity of mountain biking has increased exponentially within the City. More and more people are
getting on their bikes to cycle to school, work, go shopping or simply ride for exercise and leisure. Families are
increasingly looking for safe recreational cycling routes away from the dangerous roads and the technically
difficult mountain bike trails on the mountain. People from all walks of life including the young and the old enjoy
the social and health benefits of cycling.
The City has recognised the need for safer cycling routes and has started investing in safer commuter cycling
infrastructure, and we are of the opinion that this investment into cycling infrastructure could include off-road
trail networks located in public open space and where necessary through private property with agreement.
There are 3 formal mountain bike trail networks around the City, all located in the Table Mountain National Park
(TMNP);
1. Red Hill to Black Hill in the “Deep South”
2. Tokai & Silvermine above the Constantia Valley
3. Table Mountain & Signal Hill MTB Trails above the Cape Town CBD
Being located inside the Table Mountain National Park these trails require an activity permit, at a substantial
cost. The trails are also disconnected from each other and there are no alternative off-road/ mountain bike
trails around the mountain, forcing cyclists to use dangerous and busy roads to access the TMNP trail network.
Facilities, including parking, at these formal trailheads is limited and in many cases inadequate for the number
of users.
The Greenbelts form a natural access corridor to the broader system of trails on the mountain that could allow
cyclists, runners and walkers, including those living further away from Table Mountain National Park, to use
public transport (trains, taxis and My Citi Bus), cycle lanes, parks and greenbelts to access the TMNP and
surrounding areas.
Safety in public open space is a huge concern for all user groups. Most of the greenbelts are underutilised
during much of the day and some are very isolated and secluded. Opening access to cyclists will increase the
presence of users, and therefore safety, on the trails during the day
Proposal
It is proposed that an initial demarcated route through the Constantia greenbelts be approved by City Parks
and included in the City of Cape Town SMART cycling initiative. The proposed route will potentially link the City
Bowl and the Southern Suburbs on a safer off road trail network.
Cyclists have been using the greenbelts as a means of commuting and leisure cycling for many years. We
would like to see cyclists become a legitimate user group in the greenbelts and manage the impacts and
conflicts responsibly.
The proposed demarcated trail has been assessed in detail and it has been determined that they are suitable
to accommodate cyclists together with all other users. In some places, it may be necessary to build/upgrade a
section of trail to allow for the separation of users and safe entry/exit points, but the overriding principle is one
of mutual respect and tolerance.
Cyclists will not have right of way on any of the trails and must yield to all other users in a polite and respectful
manner.
Over time we would like to see the trail networks linking all areas of Cape Town, from the Cape Flats through to
the mountains, along a safe, well-constructed, network of trails.
Trail maintenance and construction could become a long term job creation initiative throughout the City.
Route Description
The route consists of several sections of walking/running trail that traverse through the Constantia greenbelts,
including the Soetvlei Avenue, the Spaanschemat River/Strawberry Lane, Pagasvlei, Silverhurst, Belombre and
the Diep River Trail. There are sections of public road in-between the sections of trail.
See maps (Annexure 1)for the detailed route.
Signage
Appropriate signage will be placed at the entry/exit trailheads and at strategic points along the trails.
Signs will be directional and also indicate the “right of way” rules. See Annexure 2 for example.
Maintenance and Management
The City will enter into an agreement with the Pedal Power Association that will govern the roles and
responsibilities in respect of funding, maintenance, management, enforcement and code of conduct.
Annexures
Annexure 1: Maps (1-3)
Annexure 2: Proposed Signage Examples
Annexure 2