Sharing public space
THESTREETS of Cape Town continue to be a contentious space where integration, safety and freedom do not yet reign, but we seem to be finally gearing in the right direction.
With the opening of the promenade to bicycles, skateboarders and roller skaters, the City of Cape Town is inviting its citizens to engage with the agenda of “open streets” which call for safety and freedom of movement.
It is understandable that some are sceptical that cyclists, joggers, skateboarders and dogs can transit safely and harmoniously; after all we haven’t had the chance to try it before. Nevertheless, one thing is certain, our human nature is to adapt and more activity and more people will simply lead to the reduction of speed on the promenade.
The rationale behind making the promenade more inclusive is a commendable attempt to foster the (safe and inclusive) sharing of public spaces by different groups of people.
In order to create that type of environment, which calls for radical behaviour change, it is important to take this sort of risk.
It may sound trivial, but what are cities if not people and those of us who will be running, cycling and skating on the promenade can decide whether or not we can share this type of public space safely and constructively. The city has simply provided the opportunity to try it. It will be up to us. MARCELA GUERRERO CASAS CAPE TOWN my bike responsibly and at a leisurely pace that guarantees the safety of myself and my fellow promenade users.
Cyclists who wish to ride for speed will uniformly ride on the road, as the promenade does not suit their purpose.
Those of us who wish to enjoy the view and the sea breeze, just like the prom walkers, will ride carefully and thoughtfully.
It would be illogical to do otherwise, just as it is illogical to fear a gentle change that is good for the city and its health and environment-conscious residents. JARED CHAITOWITZ SEA POINT intention was to portray ANC councillors as criminals.
Of course, Lili might have overstepped some council rules, to what extent?
It has assisted the DA in their long desire to remove Lili in particular.
I have a feeling that the harshness of the DC outcomes are nothing but a confirmation of its strategy to silence members of the ANC who are councillors so that they can behave as VIPs and distance themselves from the day-to-day struggles of our communities.
The open toilets fiasco which led to the Western Cape High Court judgment is the gist of the reasons behind the removal of Lili. MASONWABE SOKOYI GUGULETHU