The city is constructing new bicycle lanes in and around the Durban CBD as part of a plan to encourage residents to use non-motorised modes of transport.

CHAIRMAN of the Human Settlements and Infrastructure Committee Councillor Nigel Gumede has welcomed the expansion of cycle lanes into various parts of the city.

“This was long overdue. Three years ago we visited Brazil to learn about their transport systems. It was very exciting.

“We came back with lots of encouragement. The city is promoting the use of non-motorised transport to highlight pedestrian safety and to get people to use bicycles,” Gumede said. “This creates an environmentally friendly and safer city. And when you buy a bicycle you also save money. The aim of these lanes is to fight traffic congestion and to help save money.”

Gumede encouraged motorist to help reduce the City's carbon foot print, especially since Durban will be hosting the Cop 17 United Nations International Conference on Climate Change in November.

The constructions of the new cycle lanes are part of the Engineering Unit's plans for the new Municipal financial year which started in July.

The unit's Manager: Roads Design (North) Dave Thomas said that there will be new road works undertaken in the central business district during the current financial year although not on the scale that was seen prior to the 2010 Fifa World Cup.

“The main new road works to be undertaken are the construction of numerous cycle lanes in and around the central business district,” Thomas said.

Road works are also planned for the Snell Parade between Blue Lagoon and Walter Gilbert Road as part of the extension of the beachfront promenade.

Thomas said the western sidewalk on the Ellis Brown Viaduct at Blue Lagoon would be widened to include another cycle lane. In addition, approximately 34km of sidewalks or pavements will be constructed in many areas across the City this year.

“This is part of an ongoing programme to provide safer pedestrian facilities,” he said.

Source: Durban