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GO!Durban at Sustainable Living Exhibition
August 19, 2016 @ 9:00 am - August 21, 2016 @ 5:00 pm
Fuelling Durban’s Future is the theme for this year’s GO!Durban stand at the eThekwini Municipality’s Sustainable Living Exhibition which takes place at the Durban Exhibition Centre from August 19 to 21.
GO!Durban, the new integrated rapid public transport network, will present visitors to the Expo with an opportunity to experience and learn all about the City’s roll-out of its non-motorised transport (also known as NMT) network, an integral part of the sustainability of the future of transport for all the people in the metropole.
NMT plays a key role in creating a greener future for Durban. It refers to modes of transport without the use of motors such as walking, cycling, running, as well as small wheeled transport such as skateboards and of course, wheelchairs and push chairs.
Visitors to the stand will be able to sit on a stationary bicycle and pedal whilst going on a virtual tour of NMT routes that are already constructed and in use within the City. Whilst taking this virtual tour, various places of interest will be highlighted to further demonstrate how NMT opens access to spaces and places for people within a City.
City planners and engineers have included a complex network of NMT routes into the overall GO!Durban planning, which eventually will link various nodes within the City making it easier for people to go places without having to rely on buses, taxis and cars. The NMT network includes bicycle lanes, walkways and bridges for pedestrians for commuter and recreational purposes.
The development of the NMT alongside a new more efficient public transport system means the reduction in the need for people to rely on vehicles, this therefore will help to reduce the number of vehicles on the roads, which means less carbon emissions and cleaner air.
Creating a culture of walking and cycling will encourage citizens to lead healthier, more active lifestyles. This will also support a more enriched culture for walking tourism where people feel safe and free to explore the city on foot.
NMT offers economic benefits too. Bike sales, rentals, and maintenance are all opportunities linked to a bike-riding culture, as are the expected small businesses such as refreshments stops and the like that are expected to pop up as a result.
Sustainable Living Exhibition
Every year the top businesses, initiatives and individuals in sustainable development get together to showcase their achievements and goals at the Sustainable Living Exhibition. The exhibition is an opportunity to network and inspire others to play their part.
2016 marks the third year GO!Durban will exhibit its non-motorised transport plans at the event. Non-motorised transport plays an integral role in GO!Durban’s vision for eThekwini. The city as a whole needs to develop a culture around sustainability and non-motorised transport if GO!Durban is to turn eThekwini into the most caring and liveable city in Africa. This exhibition will highlight how GO!Durban plans to make this happen.
In 2014 GO!Durban unveiled the Believe Tree. Built from recycled materials this tree became a symbol of the future GO!Durban has planned. Visitors at the exhibition were asked to write down their wishes for the future of Durban and tie them to the tree. Over 2 000 messages were received which lead to the Believe Tree winning Best Stand at the Sustainable Living Exhibition 2014
Last year GO!Durban created the world’s first Foot Fuelling Station. At the stand visitors could enjoy foot rubs, reflexology, shoe shining and cleaning as well as an opportunity to refresh themselves while learning about the project. This station used feet as a conversation starter for non-motorsied transport and its benefits for both the city and our health.
This year promises to be bigger and better. GO!Durban is giving you an opportunity to experience the thrill of non-motorised transport first hand. Come see what’s in store between 19 to 21 August at the Durban Exhibition Centre. Entrance is free and all are welcome.
- For more information www.GoDurban.co.za.
