A citizen-driven initiative working to change how we use, perceive and experience streets is closing down a main road in Mitchells Plain to bring communities together!
Due to popular demand, a major roadway in Mitchells Plain is set to go car-free for the third time. This shows an appetite for a regular programme of Open Streets Days in the area, according to Open Streets Cape Town (OSCT).
A group of volunteers founded Open Streets Cape Town in 2012, and registered a non-profit organisation in 2013. They enjoy the full support of the City of Cape Town, as well as civil society organisations and many individual volunteers from across the city. OSCT has its roots in street action, as well as research, and has grown as a dynamic and organic movement of street-minded citizens.
“We work to challenge the paradigm of urban mobility by carrying out campaigns, temporary interventions, dialogues and walks that raise citizen awareness, spark public debate, and ultimately drive behaviour change around the role of streets in the life of the city.”
On 25 March, a longer stretch of Eisleben Road, between Spine Road and Highlands Drive, will become a space for people to walk, cycle, skate, explore, play, connect and learn. This follows the successful Open Streets Main Road on 25 February, as well as several other Open Streets Days across Cape Town.
The focus will continue to be on building solidarity to tackle the water crisis and will also incorporate an element of play and education for kids. The most powerful way to influence the future is by engaging children at a young age; likewise, growing the Open Streets movement will rely largely on having the new generation lead the way.
Marcela Guerrero Casas, MD of OSCT, says: “Our intention was never for Open Streets to be an event, but rather a movement of citizens reimagining their streets together. And that’s why we never refer to it as an event, or even a festival! We took inspiration from Ciclovía, a Colombian programme of weekly car-free days that makes the streets of major cities accessible to pedestrians and non-motorised transport users every Sunday and public holiday. It’s exciting to see that the concept is catching on in Cape Town.”
Thousands of families come to each Open Streets Day, many of them return participants. “We believe there is significant public interest in growing the programme in different parts of the city. Soon we hope Open Streets will become a way of life like it is in Latin America.”
Open Streets Main Road on 25 February was the clearest indication of this so far. As thousands of pedestrians and non-motorised transport users descended on the space, it began to resemble Ciclovía.
Mitchells Plain has hosted two Open Streets Days, on Merrydale Avenue in April 2016 and on Eisleben Road almost exactly a year later. The community has chosen Eisleben Road again for the third instalment.
Ricky Mabee, founder of Mitchells Plain Alive, an online business forum, says: “Open Streets is a unique opportunity for our community to come together and realise its potential.
From getting to know each other in a safe and welcoming space to having the platform to showcase our different talents, 25 March will be an opportunity to build our networks in Mitchells Plain and beyond. Join us!”
Bring your friends and neighbours, and an activity or game to share with others. Above all, bring your family. There is no cost involved. Your street for a day – what will you do?
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