Cross Cape Cycling Route officially launched
On Friday the 29th of July 2016, stakeholders and dignitaries gathered at the Garden Route Trail Park in Barrington, to celebrate the launch of the iconic Cross Cape Cycle Route, previously known as the Plettenberg Bay to Cape Town (CX 2 CA) Cycle Route.
Wesgro, the official tourism, trade and investment promotion agency for Cape Town and the Western Cape officially launched the first part of the much anticipated Cross Cape Cycle Route in Knysna with the aim of positioning the Western Cape as a cycling capital of Africa and creating opportunities for economic growth and job creation along it.
Discover Cycling in CT & WC
The iconic cycling track stretches from Plettenberg Bay to Cape Town and was born out of a government strategic initiative called Khulisa which aims to create economic growth by generating jobs and business opportunities.
Taking part in Friday’s launch was the MEC for Economic Opportunities, Mr Alan Winde, Executive Mayor for the Eden District, Cllr Wessie van der Westhuizen and members of the public.
“This route will play a significant role in positioning the Western Cape as Africa’s cycling trail capital, attracting cycling tourists from within South Africa and further afield. By linking residents along the route to the flourishing cycling economy, we are aiming to create opportunities for jobs and growth, particularly in our small town and rural hospitality sector”, says MEC Winde. “Key to the success of this cycle route is the partnerships that we have formed with local stakeholders from government and the private sector. We are all committed to maximizing our tourism economy, and to working together to create job opportunities for residents as a result of this iconic route”, concluded Minister Winde.
“The success of the Cross Cape to date and our ability to launch the first 5km’s today is due to the drive, support and leadership shown by the local municipalities, tourism offices, landowners, cycling communities, technical teams and businesses along the Garden Route”, says Judy Lain, Chief Marketing Officer for Wesgro. “The Western Cape’s landscape, mountains, long safe district roads and the fact that we are embraced by a magnificent coastline provides cyclists of all levels the opportunity to explore one of the most beautiful places in the world by bike,” said Judy.
There are terrible problems resulting from unemployment among the youth in this area and the jobs that this trail will generate are of utmost importance.
MEC Winde discussed the possibility that locals may later be trained as cycle trail builders.
“These trained builders will then be able to train others within the province. Once all the trails have been completed, these qualified trail builders will be used to maintain all the cycle trails,” he said.
The first completed 5km of the trail was launched with the cutting of the ribbon and a test run, which was done by the driving force behind this 600km Route, Western Cape MEC Winde.
The Cross Cape benchmark track Test Run
Proposed route between Kaaimens and Knysna
Map legend:
- Existing roads BLUE
- Existing single track LIGHT BLUE
- Proposed single track in approved areas GREEN
- Hiking trail that could be utilised ORANGE
- Proposed single track in sensitive areas RED
- Possible single track – LAND OWNERS HAVE NOT BEEN CONSULTED YET PURPLE
Cross Cape Cycling Route Gallery