Sea Point Promenade e-bike and e-scooter petition passes 1 600 signatures - IOL

E-bikes have become a common sight on the Sea Point Promenade, prompting calls for better safety measures.

Claims that an elderly woman was injured along the Sea Point Promenade, allegedly by an electric-bike user, have once again prompted residents to call for a ban and stricter enforcement of rules relating to e-bikes and e-scooters. Their campaign has taken the form of a petition, which has attracted more than 1 600 signatures.

The City said it had adopted a management approach rather than a ban.

A local resident’s appeal against the authorisation of e-scooters and e-bikes was dismissed.

In a letter shared with the Weekend Argus, resident Laurence Cross said he had lodged a Section 62 appeal with the City of Cape Town’s Legal Department, addressed to the City Manager, Lungelo Mbandazayo. The appeal concerned the decision attributed to ward councillor Nicola Jowell regarding the authorisation of e-bike and e-scooter operations on the Sea Point Promenade and adjacent pavements.

Cross said he was further appealing because the decision appeared to conflict with the National Road Traffic Act (NRTA), which prohibits the operation of vehicles, including e-bikes and e-scooters, on pavements and pedestrian walkways.

He said residents had not been provided with copies of any agreements or permits issued to operators, despite repeated requests under the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA).

He further raised concerns about public safety, citing the decision’s potential to expose pedestrians, particularly elderly people and young children, to significant risks. He referred to documented incidents involving injuries caused by e-bikes and e-scooters.

Cross called for transparency and accountability, claiming that the City had failed to provide clarity regarding the licensing framework and raising concerns about compliance, oversight and enforcement.

In a letter dated 18 September 2026 and shared with the Weekend Argus, city officials informed Cross that his appeal had been dismissed. They said that, after considering the matter, they found that Jowell had not authorised the operation of e-scooters and e-bikes on the Sea Point Promenade. Moreover, in terms of the Parks By-law, the councillor was not vested with the authority to make such a decision.

The Weekend Argus has approached the City for confirmation of the appeal’s dismissal and comment.

Jowell has yet to respond to queries.

Earlier this week, Ian Blacher, a resident of the Atlantic Seaboard, who has previously gone public and written to the media and City officials about calls for a ban on e-scooters and e-motorbikes, called for urgent intervention by the authorities.

Blacher said an elderly woman had been injured by a younger person who was riding a bicycle.

Details of the injured person’s current condition is unknown.

The petition was followed by several responses on Facebook from residents who claimed that they or their relatives had also become victims.

The petition called for a ban, as well as restrictions and signage along the Sea Point Promenade.

Rental scooters operating along the Sea Point Promenade are facing new compliance rules.

The petition reads: “The Sea Point Promenade has always been a place of peace, where families stroll, joggers run, and children play against the backdrop of the ocean.

“This safety is under threat as increasing numbers of e‑scooters and e‑motorbikes are speeding along pedestrian pavements, violating the National Road Traffic Act and endangering walkers, especially the elderly and young children.

“What was once a family‑friendly space is becoming hazardous. Near‑misses and serious incidents are rising, and urgent action is needed to protect pedestrians.

“This is not about limiting enjoyment — it’s about restoring safety and ensuring the Promenade remains a haven for everyone.

“Your signature can help protect our community’s most vulnerable members and preserve the character of one of Cape Town’s most cherished public spaces.

“Sign and share this petition today to keep the Sea Point Promenade safe, peaceful, and pedestrian‑friendly.”

Cross said he had also met with authorities from the City’s Recreation and Parks Department in September to discuss his concerns.

In response to the petition, the City’s Recreation and Parks Department integrated its previous confirmation about the 8 km/h speed limit and other enforcement measures. It said it was aware of the concerns raised by residents.

“The City is aware of concerns raised by residents regarding rider behaviour, including children operating devices at excessive speeds, near misses and collisions,” it said.

“The protection of vulnerable users, particularly children, older persons and people with disabilities, is a key reason for the new management and enforcement measures.

“The Sea Point Promenade is primarily a pedestrian recreational space. Cyclists and users of mobility devices may use the Promenade subject to applicable conditions, including pedestrian right-of-way at all times, adherence to the 8km/h speed limits, dismount areas and prohibitions on reckless riding, racing or weaving through crowds.”

“The City has adopted a management approach rather than a ban,” it said.

“The usage of the e-scooters and bicycles on the Promenade will be assessed going forward.”

Up Cycles, which operates along the Sea Point Promenade, previously told the Cape Argus that it provided a safe means of transport for leisure and has partnered with Zippy, an electric scooter operator, since 2024. Queries to them this week went unanswered.