On 28 February, 2012, Open Streets Cape Town and friends walked and talked along Albert Road, and interrogated the state of this important road which is envisioned to host Open Streets in 2013
A group of approximately 30 people, including local residents, City officials, cyclists, skateboarders and journalists, joined the Open Streets Cape Town working group in an exploration of how people feel and behave when walking on Albert Road. The journey started at the Old Biscuit Mill and concluded at the intersection of Station Road.
Overall, while it was acknowledged that many developments and improvements had taken place in the past few years and many more are expected; there was still more to be done to make Albert Road a welcoming environment respectful of all users. It was clear that Open Streets could be a powerful avenue in helping to create the type of environment needed to cater to people; particularly local residents.
Starting point @ Old Biscuit Mill
We don't want to see the heritage of Woodstock changed; but we want social upliftment.
Chairman, Woodstock Community Outreach Forum (WCOF)
- Residents want to see more green along Albert Rd and are looking forward to NMT plans to have more cyclists and skateboarders.
- A major concern is where kids can play freely and safely. An Open Streets event could be an effective avenue to provide that space
- Recreational areas need to be available or properly managed on a regular basis. Adrenalin sport needs to be investigated.
Stop 1 @Bromwell Hotel
There are so many obstructions on the sidewalk it is not easy to relax and enjoy the walk
Jamie Litt, Ubuntu Bikes
- Albert Rd needs to be fully assessed to get an accurate picture of what is happening i.e. the kinds of businesses, residents, freight movements, NMT movements, public transport movements, vehicular traffic etc. This information is key to determining appropriate interventions.
- Albert Road must accommodate all users equally. This includes improving the quality of the streetscape, better pavements, greenery, drop curbs, bicycle lanes, more pedestrian crossings
- Pedestrian crossings are conspicuous for their absence (one in front of Old Biscuit Mill, one in front of Bromwell, one in front of Woodstock Foundry and one in front of Woodstock Exchange only). Even there, when light is green for pedestrians, cars don't always respect their right of way
Stop 2 @ Aberdeen Road
Traffic and speed major issues on Albert Rd:
A slower Albert Road will reduce the sense of fear and will benefit local businesses.
Lisa Kane, Open Streets Working Group
- Speed impacts on the sense of the street and distorts drivers' vision.
- On weekends, Albert Road has a lot of traffic and at night cars drive much faster than during the day. Very few pedestrians at night because it's not safe
- One of the major issues is container trucks: They use Albert Road as it is the most direct route between the collection point and drop-off point. They are a danger to pedestrians and damage the road itself. Local residents forum are planning to suggest that in the near future that trucks find alternative routes. Limiting their operation to outside of peak hours would calm traffic
- Local businesses survive on local traffic, and rely more on foot traffic than on motorists. Many cars just drive through Albert Rd at high speeds. Foot and non motorised traffic is more likely to generate businesses on Albert Road
Stop 3 @ Woodstock Foundry
It has taken love and a feel for the area to improve; Albert Road needs patience.
Andre Potgieter, business owner
- Economic development will help make area safer and therefore attract people
- A positive outlook is important to create a turnaround in an area that was previously feeling down
- Business development needs to take integrated development approach. Local residents need insight into the business development plans for the area and not just leave it to the entrepreneurs to drive.
- Concern about the impact of fast economic development on residents who may not be able to afford living along Albert Road as a result
- Residents agreed there is a need for economic and social investment along Albert Road
- Vision for Woodstock must cater for local residents first and then for visitors (i.e. people coming out of Woodstock to shop at the Old Biscuit Mill)
Stop 4 @ Lower Church Street
If we can get a bicycle lane we can educate our children to use it.
Jennifer George Woodstock resident
- Public transport Albert Road caters to most forms train, taxis, buses and soon NMT; yet public transport needs to be mainstreamed linked with Myciti Bus plans too
- Integrated transport means people should feel safe when walking from one transport mode to another. Albert Road needs to become a safe corridor for users of the train, mini-taxis, buses, etc.
- Cycle lanes must cater first for people commuting and ensure they connect different parts of the City
- There are many cyclists on Albert Road; for cycle lane to be effective, there must be law enforcement to ensure respect and safety
- There are different needs that need to be catered on Albert Road: Cyclists, skateboarding, NMT, parking, businesses, etc. Key challenge is striking balance
- Prioritisation should be given democratically; if one car only carries one person and a bus carries 50, then the bus should give the same priority as 50 cars.
- Studies show pedestrians are more likely to spend money than motorists when going along a particular street; however Woodstock has many furniture shops which require access by car. The challenge is to meet the need for delivery and loading zones while providing access to pedestrians
- A full network will develop but it won't happen overnight. We, as residents, can vote with our feet and occupy the space to make that process happen faster
- Bicycle lanes will help but are not enough (or necessary) to create a feeling of safety. Cape Town needs a mind shift for motorists to see bicycles. More cyclists will create more awareness about the need to share space when commuting.
- Skateboarding is growing in Woodstock. Infrastructure and attitude must also cater to this development
Stop #5 @ Station Road
Albert Road is ready for Open Streets
Marco Morgan, National Skate Collective
- Noticeable differences with first Walk & Talk on Bree Street. Instead of relying heavily on infrastructure, this event focused on street as space for people different users. Residents, business owners, newcomers
- It is crucial to involve the City of Cape Town, the Woodstock Improvement District and corporate businesses in forming a partnership in co-hosting this event.
Next Walk & Talk on 28 March, 2013!
