Chapman's Peak to Open for Cape Argus Cycle Tour

The 2009 Cape Argus Pick 'n Pay Cycle Tour will definitely include Chapman's Peak Drive, despite fears to the contrary

Chapman’s Peak Drive is to be temporarily opened for cyclists participating in the 2009 Cape Argus Pick ‘n Pay Cycle Tour, and Premier Lynne Brown has appointed a team of experts to investigate the management and long-term viability of the scenic drive.

Premier Brown said, “The Cape Argus Pick 'n Pay Cycle Tour is one of the foremost cycle events of its kind in the world. It is imperative that everything possible be done to ensure it goes ahead on the most scenic route available in the interests of tourism and the Western Cape economy.

“However, the safety of cyclists is paramount, and we cannot consider opening the Drive for the event unless we are satisfied that the safety of cyclists and others using Chapman's Peak drive on day of the event is not compromised whilst construction work on the mountain remains incomplete.”

It was agreed at a meeting of Government and a representative of the cycle tour on Monday 2 February that because the safety of participants could not be guaranteed by Government, and in keeping with past practice, the organisers of the cycle tour and participants in the race would be allowed to use Chapman's Peak drive entirely at their own risk.

They will be required to indemnify the Provincial Government and Entilini Concession (Pty) Ltd against any claims and legal liability arising from their use of the road.

This is in addition to the race organisers' own requirements as previously notified to participants. In order to control access to the road, only registered participants and accredited personnel of the race organisers - who have signed indemnity forms - will be allowed on Chapman's Peak drive.

From a logistical perspective and in order not to disrupt the construction work being undertaken to upgrade the safety measures on Chapman's Peak drive, the road will only be open only on the day of the event from 06h00 to 18h00.  The Provincial Government will make arrangements to ensure that construction equipment is cleared and that planned work does not impede participants on the route.

In addition and in the longer term interest of providing certainty and good governance on the matter, Premier Brown has also appointed a high level team to investigate all matters pertaining to the long-term future of the Chapman's Peak toll road and the public-private partnership between government and Entilini Concession (Pty) Ltd.

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