I really do hope that this cycle track never happens and replaces the
raiway track,lets hope all lines get repaired, man the loss of that
George-Knysna railway line will go down in history as the biggest loss
for the GR area. Lets hope for a positive outcome from business,
rather put a cycleway on the Oudtshoorn to Calitzdorp disused railway
line
On Mar 28, 11:32*am, kilos wrote:
Latest news from South Africa, is that the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe - one
of the last few operational steam trains in South Africa will run for
another 3 months until a viable business solution can be attained,as
Transnet are selling off or rather ridding themselves of all non
profit and non core business divisions. Running costs $80k per month.
IT was a great loss to tourism when the August 2006 storms put a stop
to the historical steam train running between George and Knysna and
ever since, the W-Cape Regional Government (WCRG) has done what it can
to reinstate the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe. The service provider appointed
last year to investigate this possibility submitted its report a month
ago and a decision is awaited.
However, if impossible to reinstate the steam train, a unique
opportunity will arise to create something entirely new that has the
potential to more than compensate for tourism losses, and at the same
time benefit the local population in other important ways.
South Africa has wonderful wilderness trails for walkers and hikers,
as well as trails for mountain bikers. It also has wildly popular mass-
start one-day events for cyclists. But we have yet to tap into the
great potential of cycle tourism (touring by bicycle) and to actively
promote cycling as a form of transportation.
Commuter and tour cycling are greener-than-green activities that the
country desperately needs, but one of the major reasons why we don't
have them is because we have not provided the essential infrastructure
that they require.
A cycleway is a pathway dedicated for the use of cyclists, having a
surface with gradients and sight-lines suited to cyclists. A cycleway
must be entirely free of motorised vehicles - both for safety and
enjoyment sake - but could accommodate pedestrians.
The creation of a 67km Garden Route Cycleway (GRC), using the existing
rail reserve between George and Knysna and built to international
cycleway standards, will give cyclists a truly unique experience
taking in one of the most scenic routes in the country.
Such a cycleway would have the potential to attract many tens of
thousands of touring and recreational cyclists per annum. Since the
route penetrates urban and city areas it would also provide a safe and
enjoyable route for hundreds of local cyclists as they travel daily
between home and work, school, shops, playgrounds, etc.
Studies conducted elsewhere reveal that cycleways that are scenically
attractive provide commuter routes, are well constructed and well
maintained, enhance property values and can entice individuals and
businesses to relocate.
Rather than lose the rail reserve should it not be feasible to
reinstate the steam train, the Garden Route Cycleway Association
(GRCA), acting in the interests of the general public, has formally
submitted the cycleway proposal to the WCRG, via Knysna Tourism.
The Association, as prime mover behind this exciting proposal, hopes
to be actively involved in the design, development and governance of
this unique recreational and commuting facility.
Please contact the secretary, Dr Phillip Parsons, at
if you would like to be kept informed of further
developments, and to support the GRCA.
Author: John Stegmann – Chairman: Garden Route Cycleway Association