Non-Motorised Transport (NMT)

Non-Motorised Transport (NMT) includes all forms of movement that do not rely on an engine or motor for mobility.  NMT is recognised as a valuable component of the transportation system and the environment we live in due to the various benefits it holds.  NMT has however, not been included in traditional transport planning and walkways and cycle paths have generally been implemented as an after through or not at all.  

NMT can address a large range of transportation needs ranging from regional mobility to neighbourhood access.  There are various types of trips where NMT may be used as part of or for the entire journey, whether by choice or out of necessity.  According to the National Household Travel Survey (2003) approximately 23% of South Africans walk to work, this is generally because they cannot afford to use public transport.  In most cases, there are no dedicated walkways for pedestrians and this can become extremely dangerous fro the walking commuter.  According to accident statistics, nearly 50% of accidents involve pedestrians.  

Best practice for improving non-motorised travel conditions and encouraging non-motorised transport include:

• Integrate non-motorised planning into all transport and land use planning activities;
• Educate all transportation professionals in non-motorised transportation planning principles;
• Fund non-motorised transport planning at a comparable rate as other travel modes;
• Ensure that all roads are suitable for walking and cycling unless these modes are specifically prohibited.  In these cases make suitable alternatives available;
• Use current planning practices and design standards, including Univerisal Access, which promote non-motorised transport;
• Include non-motorised travel in transportation surveys and models;
• Create pedestrian-oriented Commercial Centers (e.g. St Georges Mall in Cape Town CBD) and neighbourhoods;
• Perform user surveys to identify problems and barriers to non-motorised travel; and
• Use traffic calming and other traffic control measures to make street environments safer and more pleasant for non-motorised transport.   

The City of Cape Town's Non-Motorised Transport Strategy includes a comprehensive plan that guides the planning and implementation of programmes and facilities that will respond to the many needs of NMT users in the City.

The NMT Strategy presents a policy, which is acommpanied by a set of objectives and strategies to realise an improved NMT environment and culture in Cape Town.  The Strategy also developed a Strategic NMT Plan for Cape Town that identifies areas and routes that should be considered as key NMT routes and places in Cape Town where NMT users should receive a certain degree of consideration. 

Click here to Download the NMT Strategy for the City of Cape Town.