Consulting engineering company Gibb is working with the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site Management Authority (COHWHS MA) to meet the growing demand for a safer and more secure recreational cycling environment and to assess the feasibility of dedicated mountain bike trails in the area.

This initiative is part of a broader tourism initiative, but will also support the authority’s mandate to improve access in a way that acknowledges the sensitivity of the site.

Phase 1 of the project focuses on the requirements for developing a core system of sustain- able mountain bike and cycling trails within the existing road reserves of the area.

The area will provide cyclists with better protection and the safety-in-numbers aspect of a dedicated trail will reduce the likelihood of bicycle crime and provide improved management and safety options, says Gibb Traffic and Transportation manager Lize de Beer.

Through interaction with key stakeholders, the company determined that the maintenance of the trails cannot be done in isolation of the road-cycle lanes – these will need to be cleared of debris, potholes will have to be filled and the vegetation cut back to make it safe for cyclists.

Gibb estimates that more than 10 000 cycling enthusiasts a year will use the trails, owing to the trail’s long, varied routes, with possible trail loops being developed using the adjacent properties of interested community members.

The creation of properly demarcated cycling trails is also expected to curb unmanaged trespassing on private property in the area that is not included in the trail system and reduce the negative impact on the environment and heritage resources of the COHWHS.

The next phase of the project is to obtain fund- ing from the provincial government to undertake further concept development, business planning and detailed design focused on implementing the plan and recommendations made by Gibb. This includes using the existing facilities, while constructing a 28.9 km loop from the Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve to above the Toadbury Hall Country Estate, past the now-closed Teak Place and back to the starting point.

Ongoing consultation with stakeholders and further development of the generic design of the trails will be required as the initiative progresses, as well as cost estimations of the implementation and management, including maintenance, of the overall proposed trail system.

De Beer says there has been a positive response from private businesses to become involved in the planning and these businesses have offered possible joint management of the routes.