City's Youth Environmental School (YES) to Host Sustainable Transport Week: 22 To 26 October 2007

The City's Environmental Resource Management Department will be running environmental education programmes during Sustainable Transport Week from 22 to 26 October as part of its Youth Environmental School (YES) Programme.

The programmes will be presented in partnership with the City's Transport, Roads and Stormwater Department, Sustainable Energy Africa (SEA), Metrorail's Edutrain and the Bicycle Empowerment Network (BEN).

Sustainable transport practice recommends and encourages walking, cycling and public transport use rather than the use of private vehicles and it supports energy conserving city planning initiatives.

The concept of sustainable transport was a consequence of the realisation that the emphasis on road-based networks to meet private commuter demand was misplaced. Since the 1950s, the use of private vehicles has increased dramatically and although there has been investment in public transport, it has not been adequate or sustained.

Many of the problems experienced in major cities are the result of outmoded transport planning. These include congestion, urban sprawl, air and noise pollution, loss of green and natural space and an increased demand for fossil fuels. It has become obvious that the way in which we plan for transport needs to change.

The following changes need to occur if sustainable transport is to become a viable reality:

• Encourage alternatives to the high energy consumption motorised transport of goods and people;
• Shift transport demand from environmentally unfavourable modes to those with less negative impact on people and nature;
• Encourage the use of the most energy-efficient technology in transport vehicles;
• Promotion of cleaner fuels such as biofuels and low pollution technology.

Sustainable transport promotes a new way of thinking about transport planning and using the theme "Transformation towards Sustainable and Integrated Transport" the following education programmes will be provided:

Learners will travel on the Edutrain to various places of interest during the week. The use of trains as a means of transport will be promoted and the programme will include train safety.

The Bicycle Empowerment Network will be holding workshops at five schools to encourage learners to travel to school by bicycle. Included in the programme will be advice on the safe use of bicycles and how to maintain them.

Issued by:
Communication
City of Cape Town
Tel: 021 400 2201

Media Queries:
YES Programme
Lindie Buirski
Environmental Education Coordinator
Environmental Resource Management Department
City of Cape Town
Cell: 084 629 9305

Sustainable Transport
Niki Covary
Sustainable Transport Professional
Transport, Roads And Stormwater Department
City of Cape Town
Tel: 021 400 4717
Email: niki.covary@capetown.gov.za
Tran:Sit Website: http://www.sustainable.org.za/transit