Bree Street Goes Car-Free: Cape Town Reclaims the Heart of the City
Photo Credit: Cape Town Central City Improvement District | Young Urbanists South Africa

Cape Town has taken a bold step toward a greener, people-first future by transforming Bree Street into a car-free haven every Sunday – inviting everyone to reclaim the heart of the city, connect with the community, and experience urban life as it should be: vibrant, open, and alive.

 

Western Cape, South Africa (31 October 2024) – Starting on Sunday, 27th October 2024, Cape Town took a bold step towards a brighter, greener future by transforming one of its most iconic streets into a car-free zone every Sunday.

For those familiar with Bree Street’s eclectic mix of cafes, boutiques, and galleries, this initiative has made the “coolest street in town” even cooler – all thanks to an ambitious experiment spearheaded by Young Urbanists South Africa.

Cities around the world are embracing “car-free” zones, and for good reason. Urban areas thrive when traffic is reduced, allowing space for people to come together, safely explore, and celebrate their surroundings. From New York to Paris, this culture shift is all about making cities more accessible, more enjoyable, and healthier for everyone. Cape Town’s Bree Street joins this global trend, bringing a fresh wave of excitement to the heart of the city every Sunday.

The stretch between Wale and Strand Streets, including part of Shortmarket Street, will be completely car-free, letting pedestrians reclaim the area. Instead of the usual sounds of engines and honking, the air is filled with laughter, conversation, and the welcoming buzz of happy visitors exploring the street. This initiative, called The Bree Street Experiments, is backed by the City of Cape Town and the Cape Town Central City Improvement District (CCID), with CCID security and cleaning staff ensuring that the area remains clean and safe.

CCID CEO Tasso Evangelinos is enthusiastic about the project, saying, “The closing of the street to cars will create a lively atmosphere, promote pedestrianisation, and encourage Capetonians to enjoy the incredible retail offering on Bree Street.”

It’s more than just a traffic shift; it’s a chance to promote Cape Town’s vibrant street culture, supporting local businesses while encouraging community members to explore what’s on offer.

Marco Morgan, a passionate street activist from Young Urbanists South Africa, shares the larger vision for this initiative. He says that these experiments are “a key lever to convene communities across generations and social backgrounds and provide a space for social encounters and promote our right to participate, experiment, and re-invent our streets.”

It’s not only about taking cars off the road; it’s about bringing people together and creating a space for everyone to connect, enjoy, and feel part of something bigger.

The Bree Street Experiments show how small changes can have a profound impact. By reclaiming the streets, Cape Town is fostering a culture where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together, explore local gems, and feel free to stroll without the worry of traffic. It’s a reminder of the simple joys that come with community spaces and a commitment to a healthier, more inclusive city.

Every Sunday, Bree Street isn’t just car-free – it’s community-full. Here’s to many more Sundays of sunshine, smiles, and a new kind of Cape Town cool!


Sources: Cape Town Central City Improvement District | Young Urbanists South Africa 
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Recognised as one of the Mail and Guardian’s Top 200 Young South African’s as well as a Primedia LeadSA Hero, Brent is a change maker, thought leader, radio host, foodie, vlogger, writer and all round good guy.

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