JDA brings cycle lanes to Sophiatown
SOPHIATOWN — Residents have their say in planned NMT routes.
Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) on 14 July met with residents in Sophiatown at the NG Church to break down the second phase of the upcoming Non-Motorised Transport (NMT) plans.
Siyabonga Genu said this is part of the City of Joburg’s plans to cater and design roads for other road users, including pedestrians and cyclists. JDA has identified areas that require pedestrian visibility.
“This is a way to eliminate congestion on our roads. Johannesburg is not as cycle friendly as places such as Cape Town and Stellenbosch, however, we have identified routes that would promote a culture of cycling,” he continued.
The meeting was an exchange of information between the residents and JDA on issues around infrastructure, spending and repairs.
Co-chairperson of the Sophiatown Resident’s Association, Kevin Baaitjies raised concerns around big trucks that regularly use Toby Street, leading to pervasive potholes. Genu answered that part of the project was to repair the roads and get rid of potholes. “We haven’t identified Toby Street yet but we can look at getting a connection. There will not be any cycle lanes on Toby – just pedestrian walkways.”
Genu said they are in the works of advising the City on a budget similar to the BRT system’s budget that would manage the upkeep of all the NMT routes. The phase two structure plans included planned routes between Ellis Park Stadium to UJ Kingsway Campus with dedicated cycle lanes.
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