The German government has committed R70 million towards the second phase of the Non-Motorised Transport (NMT) programme.
The programme which is being implemented by the Department of Environmental Affairs and the Federal Republic of Germany (working through KfW Development Bank) aims to promote an environmentally-friendly mode of transport that is healthy, affordable, convenient and efficient. Speaking at the Second Non-Motorised Transport Conference in Pretoria on Friday, Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Dr Ismail Vadi said South Africa needed to build a stronger cycling culture. “We should explore innovative means such as bike-share and bike rentals, which need to work as a feeder to public transport,” explained Vadi. He said coherent, route-based networks connecting main destinations relevant for daily transportation needed to be established for cyclists.
According to the Department of Environmental Affairs, promoting NMT is crucial towards the attainment of low carbon or carbon neutral transportation, with specific focus on cycling and pedestrianisation.
Approximately 120 delegates from government, academic institutions, cycling organisations, funding agencies, commuter organisations and unions attended the conference. The theme for this year was “Green Cities: Promoting the NMT Agenda” and delegates used three subthemes; Creating an Enabling Environment for NMT, Enhancing Economic Benefits of Cycling Communities and Communication, Awareness and Advocacy to discuss NMT. The NMT programme forms part of the Department of Environmental Affairs’ 2010 FIFA World Cup National Greening Legacy Programme and was officially launched in collaboration with kfW on 06 December 2011. South Africa has a standing Binational Agreement with the Federal Republic of Germany and environment has been identified as a key area of support, with specific reference to climate change mitigation and adaptation. Thus far three cities have benefited from the partnership, these are eThekwini Metropolitan, City of Jo’burg and Polokwane Local Municipality.
