A unique event is taking place in Sandton, Johannesburg from 1 to 31 October this year, during South Africa’s Transport Month. The City has organised the world’s second-ever EcoMobility World Festival – a month-long car-free city district event. The project visualises an ecomobile future for residents and visitors in Johannesburg.
“We want to close off certain streets in Sandton, our second largest Central Business District (CBD) to car traffic and instead use these lanes for public transport, walking, cycling and other forms of EcoMobility during the entire Transport Month in October”, announced the Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Cllr Parks Tau.Alternative transport
He also said: “We want to show residents and visitors that an ecomobile future is possible and that public transport, walking and cycling can be accessible, safe, attractive and cool!” mayor Tau also ensured that the city will provide alternative transport in and out of Sandton during this month. The city will host discussions, fun runs, cycle rides and other events to attract people to the Sandton CBD to experience the car-free environment. The EcoMobility World Festival will mobilise and raise local and international support for ecomobile alternatives to fossil-fuel transport. The EcoMobility World Festival will showcase the new Rea Vaya bus rapid transport scheme and public transport, cycling and walking friendly infrastructure that the city is constructing in the Sandton CBD. “Driven by ICLEI, we will partner with local organizations and stakeholders to make the Transport Month and the EcoMobility World Festival a success and a beneficial experience for all those involved,” added Tau.ICLEI is a worldwide movement of cities committed to changing their future towards a sustainable path. The City of Johannesburg is a long standing member of ICLEI. One of ICLEI’s key programs is EcoMobility – travel through socially inclusive and environmentally-friendly transport options, integrating walking, cycling and use of public transport.
