Stellenbosch Trail Fund (STF) introduced a bicycle parking facility last month to reduce theft and traffic congestion, whilst promoting the town’s “green and cycling economies”.
Opened on 27 March, the project consists of 24 bicycle parking bays secured inside a metal pen. The enclosure, located on Andringa Street, directly across from Eikestad Mall, is designed to encourage cycling and walking, and is the first of its kind in town.
Security
STF, a public-benefit organisation (PBO), maintains over 50km of mountain-bike and walking trails around Stellenbosch, and primarily initiated the project to reduce bicycle theft.
“Cycling is already very popular in Stellenbosch, but it needs to be a safer form of transport,” said Unathi Msophi, a manager at STF and the site’s facilitator. “The site promotes biking because people aren’t scared to leave their bikes unattended anymore.”
Stellenbosch Trail Fund’s “Bike Park and Walk” facility on Andringa Street, Stellenbosch, operates on weekdays from 07:45 to 17:15. PHOTO: Grace Henderson
Bophelele Mbobo, an STF security guard at the facility and an avid cyclist himself, confirmed that the site had been increasingly popular since its launch. “Bike theft is common in Stellenbosch, and parking is now much safer,” said Mbobo.
Sustainability
According to Visit Stellenbosch’s website, STF asserted that “it is imperative that Non-Motorised Transport (NMT) be investigated and tested” in response to rising “traffic congestion” and “a lack of vehicle parking” in Stellenbosch.
STF also partnered with Stellenbosch Municipality, and received municipal council approval for the initiative in October 2024. “By improving infrastructure and awareness, we aim to encourage healthier, more sustainable ways of moving around our community,” said Stuart Grobbelaar, spokesperson of the municipality.
The parking solution also formed part of the municipality’s larger Transport Plan, designed to promote NMT, and Grobbelaar added that through the enterprise, they hoped to make “walking and cycling a safe, accessible, and attractive option for both residents and visitors”.
Bophelele Mbobo, a Stellenbosch Trail Fund security guard at the facility, on duty to safeguard bicycles and assist owners. PHOTO: Grace Henderson
STF also partnered with several Stellenbosch businesses, such as SiteEye, Tim Ziehl Architects, and Groeneveld Construction, to launch the initiative.
“Groeneveld Construction played a big part in the planning and building of the park. They saw that the town is increasingly excited to cycle. Bikes are everywhere, and people become inspired to join in,” said Msophi.
Each parking bay has a locking mechanism and key. A camera monitors the parking area, and two Stellenbosch Trail Fund employees are on duty. PHOTO: Grace Henderson
Pedalling forward
Msophi confirmed that STF granted the pilot project “a period of about six months” to test public demand and to streamline their operational processes.
“I can see that the park is becoming more popular, especially with students from Stellenbosch University. The aim is to keep growing, and hopefully expand across town,” said Msophi.
“Feedback from the community has been largely positive, with many welcoming the improved opportunities for safe walking and cycling,” Grobbelaar also confirmed.
However, it is currently the only facility in town, and Mbobo asserted that there needed to be “more of its kind” if any “real change” to sustainable transport could be seen.