Officers have been deployed to patrol the cycle lane that runs along the red MyCiTi bus lane between the Cape Town central business district and the MyCiTi station in Table View. The cycle lane is patrolled on a daily basis from 05:30 until 21:30. Some of the officers are deployed in vehicles, while others patrol the cycle lane on motorcycles.

The officers use two-way radios and have direct access to the control room, camera response unit, and the vehicle operating centre.

The officers are permanently deployed and work two shifts per day. They work in close collaboration with internal role-players like the Graffiti Unit, Anti-land Invasion Unit, Displaced Peoples Unit, Metro Police, Social Development Department, and Traffic Service as well as external role-players like the South African Police Service and the Immigration Department.

“Before the deployment of the officers, some members of the public complained about being targeted by opportunistic criminals along certain sections of the route, in particular in those areas which are deserted after hours,” says the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Transport and Urban Development, Councillor Brett Herron.
To date the officers have arrested suspects for mugging, pick-pocketing and theft. They have also issued fines to motorists and motorcyclists caught using the BRT lane illegally.

According to Herron the City’s Cycling Strategy “aims to increase the percentage of commuter trips made by bicycle from the current 1% to 8% by 2030. Currently cyclists have access to at least 450 km of cycle lanes across the city, some of which are separate from the road. Although some of these lanes are popular for recreational cycling, we want to see substantial growth in commuter cycling which is required to have a noticeable impact on traffic congestion, greenhouse gas emissions, and to improve mobility in the lower-income areas.”

The City wishes to deliver:
·         Improved access to bicycles for lower-income communities
·         Improved road safety and personal security along cycling routes
·         The planning, design and provision of cycling lanes must be location-specific, as what works in one area does not necessarily work in another
·         Cycling infrastructure such as cycle lanes, bicycle parking facilities, and storage facilities must be maintained