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One of Cape Town’s most vibrant, food-filled streets is embracing the summer vibe with car-free Sundays throughout the season, inviting locals and visitors to indulge in the bustling atmosphere.

Drawing inspiration from the Open Streets Cape Town movement, this bold initiative, led by Young Urbanists NPC, has garnered the Mayor’s backing to transform Bree Street into a car-free haven every Sunday from 10am to 5pm.

The entire stretch, from Wale to Strand, along with the vibrant Shortmarket Street, will become a pedestrian-friendly zone, inviting all to stroll, explore, and soak in the lively atmosphere.

Cities across the globe are embracing “car-free” zones, and for good reason, notes Good Things Guy. When traffic ebbs, urban spaces flourish, offering room for people to gather, explore with ease, and truly engage with their surroundings. From New York to Paris, this cultural shift is about making cities more accessible, enjoyable, and healthier for all. Now, Cape Town’s Bree Street is riding this wave of change, infusing the heart of the city with fresh energy every Sunday.

This initiative, called The Bree Street Experiments, is backed by the City of Cape Town and the Cape Town Central City Improvement District (CCID), with CCID security and cleaning staff ensuring that the area remains clean and safe.

“We’ve been wanting to try a regular pedestrianisation for some time. This summer, we’re closing Bree Street to vehicles every Sunday afternoon, making a space safe and welcoming for families to enjoy the city on foot. I hope the Cape Town public will support this experiment and I invite everyone to enjoy a pedestrianised Bree Street.” says mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis.

It’s more than just a traffic shift; it’s a chance to promote Cape Town’s vibrant street culture and support local businesses while encouraging community members to explore what’s on offer.

Not only is it important to make the Mother City walkable, but it is also a great way for people to share in the ‘third space’ – a place outside of work and home where people can socialise and feel a part of a community.

Marco Morgan, a passionate street activist from Young Urbanists South Africa, shares the larger vision for this initiative. He says that these experiments are “a key lever to convene communities across generations and social backgrounds and provide a space for social encounters and promote our right to participate, experiment, and re-invent our streets.”

It’s a reminder of the simple joys that come with community spaces and a commitment to a healthier, more inclusive city.

Catch you on Bree on Sundays!

[source:goodthingsguy]