Join Capetonians in Reclaiming the Kalk Bay Streets this November 16
Open Streets events involve closing Cape Town's streets to traffic so that the community, visitors and tourists alike can use the space in a new, more sociable and fun way.
Taking Bogota's 'Ciclovia' Open Streets success to Cape Town
Marcela Guerrero Cassas has experienced the huge success of the Ciclovia in her hometown of Bogota, Colombia and since she's now living in Cape Town, she wants Capetonians to enjoy the same experience. So she and a group of volunteers have set up Open Streets, Cape Town.
Observatory's Open Streets Day - May 2013
The movement began in Lower Main Road, Observatory in May 2013. Locals claimed the traffic free streets for an afternoon of fun and laughter. Cycling, skateboarding, yoga, street art and games were some of the activities that brought the community together. Families played together, neighbours got together for some serious chat and the children left their electronic toys at home and enjoyed some fresh air and exercise.
Lizzie the dinosaur, a creation in metal and flowers, caused a stir generating some healthy roars.
Following on Observatory's success Marcela and her group of volunteers, are looking at other areas and working together with local representatives they have identified Langa, Sea Point/Green Point and Muizenberg/Kalk Bay as potential areas for Open Streets initiatives.
Workshops are held where residents, young and old, are encouraged to put forward suggestions of what they would like to see and do at the Open Streets events. This leads to some interesting and exciting ideas.
Cape Town's Deep South Open Streets, 16 November 2014 - Kalk Bay & Muizenberg
The latest Open Streets venture takes place in Muizenberg and Kalk Bay on 16 November. These events involve an enormous amount of planning and rely on participation from local communities as well as fund raising initiatives, but the end result of bringing communities together in fun filled activities makes it worthwhile.
So if you're keen to join the locals for a fun morning, leave the car at home, you could bring your bike, your skateboard, the kids, the dog, whatever and get an early train to Muizenberg on November 16th, 2014 for the Open Streets initiative in Muizenberg/Kalk Bay.
To find out more visit the official Open Streets event page.