Non-Motorised Transport

The national Non-Motorised Transport policy defines NMT as all means of transport that are human powered. NMT typically includes walking and cycling. Animal-powered forms of transport (horse-drawn carts and horse-riders for example) are also included in this definition as it does not rely on battery and/or fuel combustion driven mechanisms to be propelled.

The NMT environment in KwaDukuza is generally fair within the urban areas however the study identified poor quality infrastructure and lack of direct and continuous routes towards the rural areas. In general, there is no NMT network within the rural areas and existing NMT routes within the road environments are often poorly maintained, seldom used, highly unsafe and in some cases suffer from the infiltration of crime. This is often due to poor infrastructural planning, lack of integrated design approach, and difficulties experienced in operation and marketing of public spaces. Sidewalks in rural areas, if existing, are often untarred and NMT users tend to use the roadway and are therefore exposed to high safety risks.

KwaDukuza generally provides NMT infrastructure and facilities as part of the urban development processes that are entrenched with guidelines and standards for all aspects from sidewalks to signalised pedestrian crossings. This does not occur in the peri-urban and rural areas, typically along rural roads.

The following NMT issues and concerns were identified:

• Long distances between settlements.

• Lack of NMT infrastructure funding and marketing for NMT.

• Providing safe crossing facilities along major pedestrian routes, especially across main arterial roads.

• Lack of continuity of existing NMT routes.

• High number of pedestrian fatalities and injuries.

• Unattractive and unsafe pedestrian facilities.