SUCCESSFUL FIRST OPEN STREETS IN MITCHELLS PLAIN

The concept of Open Streets is to allow a road or a section of it to be closed down for a few hours and allow residents to experience it as a public open space.

 

The venue was chosen after the event’s previous successes in Langa, Observatory and Woodstock, with the support of Transport for Cape Town, the City of Cape Town’s transport authority.

 

Transport for Cape Town’s support of the event is part of the transport authority and the City of Cape Town’s commitment to developing a model that can enable a city-wide long-term Open Streets programme that builds on its own efforts to create a caring city that is inclusive, safe and offers opportunity for all.

 

‘Cape Town is geographically spread out and unfortunately those of us who live more centrally seldom have a reason to travel to the city outskirts – to areas that were created to entrench the apartheid plan. This is the legacy we need to address urgently and Open Streets presents a unique opportunity for all of us to understand the spatial challenge and at the same time experience what a shift in transport mode – from motorised to non-motorised – can do to create a liveable and sustainable city,’ said Councillor Brett Herron, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member: Transport for Cape Town.

 

As promised, the day proved to be a success with attendees treated to music, games and sport though an open mic hub, Zumba sessions, skating, cycling as well as street soccer and cricket.

 

‘Open Streets can help connect our communities and its success will depend solely on public support and participation. Be part of the city you want to see,’ said the Managing Director of Open Streets Cape Town, Marcela Guerrero Casas.

To see the Open Streets image gallery and video, click here.