Western Cape Premier Alan Winde made a statement before he even spoke a word this morning, arriving by bicycle in Hermanus to attend a crucial presentation on safe cycling infrastructure. The symbolic arrival underscored the day’s mission: transforming the coastal town into a more cycle-friendly destination that prioritizes both resident safety and sustainable tourism.
The session, hosted by Overstrand Municipality and led by renowned international cycling advocate Andrew Wheeldon, focused on developing safer, more accessible cycling routes throughout the region. Wheeldon, whose expertise has guided government infrastructure projects worldwide, presented strategies that could position Hermanus as a model for active transport integration in South African coastal communities.
As part of his visit, Winde will also cut the ribbon to officially open the newly upgraded bridge section of the Hermanus Cliff Path.
Hermanus Times published numerous stories about the controversy the connection to the Cliff Path at Pooles Bay provoked.
Jobre Stassen, spokesperson of the Cliff Path Action Group (CPAG), said they started in August 2018 to investigate the possibility of connecting the two parts of the current Cliff Path.
“The iconic Hermanus Cliff Path follows the coastline for 11 km, stretching from the New Harbour to Grotto Beach,” she said, “except for an area almost in the middle of the total length of the path, where it sharply veers away from the sea and detours along the sidewalk of the dangerous, noisy and air-polluted R43/Main Road.”
And now the 800m footpath joining two halves of a 12km scenic coastal walk in Hermanus has now been completed
“This visit supports ongoing efforts to improve active lifestyles, eco-tourism, and safe public infrastructure in the Overstrand,” said the municipal manager of the Overstrand, Dean O’ Neill.
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