On 8 August 2025, Cape Town’s Bree Street got a stylish, safety-first upgrade that could change how we move through the city. Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, Councillor Rob Quintas, and members of the Young Urbanists hopped on their bikes to test the brand-new Safe Passage cycle lanes, a pilot project bringing bold, tactical interventions to one of the city’s busiest streets.
A First for the Inner City
For the first time in Cape Town’s CBD, a cycle lane has been physically protected from vehicles using quick-install, low-cost materials. Running between Shortmarket Street and Hans Strijdom Avenue, the pilot uses safe-hit bollards and removable concrete slabs to form a clear barrier between cyclists and traffic.
The aim is to make it impossible for cars to double-park or creep into the vibrant green cycling strip — a chronic problem in the past. Now, the lane stands as a dedicated, uninterrupted space for commuters, leisure cyclists, tourists, and last-mile delivery riders.
Quick, Flexible, and Cost-Smart
“This is a first for the Inner City, and the possibilities are exciting,” said Mayor Hill-Lewis after pedalling the route. “If it works here, we can roll it out to other cycle lanes. The safer our streets, the more people will choose cycling over private cars.”
Councillor Quintas emphasised the beauty of the design — it’s affordable, adaptable, and doesn’t require heavy construction or major road changes. “In today’s economy, we must do more with less,” he noted. “These interventions can be installed, tested, and tweaked quickly, giving us flexibility to adapt as we learn.”
A Boost for People-First Streets
The Safe Passage pilot isn’t just about bikes — it’s part of the City’s newly approved Walking and Cycling Strategy, aiming to transform Cape Town into a more pedestrian- and cycle-friendly hub.
Roland Postma, Managing Director of the Young Urbanists, says the benefits extend far beyond commuting. “Protected cycling lanes also help calm traffic, making the streets safer for everyone — including children, pedestrians, and delivery workers like Green Riders. Public-private partnerships are key to making these changes happen.”
Why It Matters
- Beyond the safety upgrade, the project could spark wider lifestyle changes:
- Cleaner air & quieter streets – more bikes mean fewer emissions and less noise.
- Better accessibility – opening Bree Street to more than just private cars.
- Economic support – safer routes for delivery riders and tourism cycling.
It’s a vision for a city where cycling isn’t just for the brave and the fit, but for anyone who wants a quick, clean, and safe way to get around.
Next Stop: Hertzog Boulevard
The City plans to extend the safe lane from Shortmarket Street to Hertzog Boulevard. This will tackle one of the trickiest design challenges yet — protecting cycle lanes positioned next to on-street parking bays.
If the Bree Street pilot delivers, Cape Town could see a wave of similar “people-first” upgrades in other neighbourhoods. And for now, Bree Street’s green lane is more than just a strip of paint — it’s a signal that the city’s cycling culture is shifting into a higher gear.
