Bring The Fam: They're Blocking Off Bree for Open Streets CBD

No cars, no emissions, just the people, the goods, the culture – and capoeira masters who'll show you how to get around like Superman

Open Streets is a popular celebration of public spaces that will transform Bree Street in the City Centre into a car-free playground on Sunday 27 January 2019.

This is the fourth time (since 2015) that Bree Street hosts Open Streets, a series of events that kicked off in October Transport Month. The first event happened in Woodstock, followed by Bellville in November, and continues with Langa in February and Mitchells Plain in March (on the last Sunday of each month).

WHAT IS OPEN STREETS CAPE TOWN?
The concept is to close down a street temporarily so that it becomes car-free. It’s a chance for people to reclaim streets as public space, for walking, cycling, skating, playing, exploring and socialising. Open Streets was inspired by an initiative that originated in Bogotá, Colombia, where it is known as Ciclovía.

WATCH: OPEN STREETS

WHO ORGANISES OPEN STREETS?
Open Streets Cape Town is a citizen-driven NPO, with the support of TUMI (Transformative Urban Mobility Initiative), the City of Cape Town, WWF Nedbank Green Trust, Cape Town Central City Improvement District, and the help of volunteers.

WHY OPEN STREETS?
To create shared spaces that help bridge social and spatial divides in Cape Town while encouraging people to think differently about how we move around the city. The aim of Open Streets is to use the streets as a platform for community bonding and creative expression while encouraging social interaction and sharing.

GETTING TO 2019 OPEN STREETS IN CAPE TOWN CITY CENTRE
It's easy to get to Bree Street in a more environmentally-friendly way than driving yourself – simply travel smartly and take one of the many public transport options available in Cape Town. Hop on a minibus taxi, take a train to the Cape Town and walk, carpool, or even cycle. These options all lower carbon emissions in one way or another, which is one of the key messages Open Streets wants to bring across.  

HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN OPEN STREETS CITY CENTRE

• Spread the word and get your community involved
• Leave the car at home
• Bring your family, friends, bikes, skateboards and community spirit
• Enjoy and take part in free activities, games, performances, art, culture and talent exhibitions and street sports 
• Be a food vendor (deadline 4 January 2019)
• Join as a volunteer (deadline 11 January 2019)
• Register an activity – from yoga classes to art therapy, anything goes as long as it’s fun, inclusive and safe

ENTRY TO THE 2019 OPEN STREETS CITY CENTRE
Anyone can attend this free, community-driven exploration of the street as a public space from 9am to 2pm on Bree Street. Remember to ditch your car, and make use of public transport, your feet or a bike to get to the bustling location. For more information please contact Open Streets Cape Town at +27 (0)21 286 0823 or email info@openstreets.co.za or refer to the Open Streets website.

Photos by Ference Isaacs Photography

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Run, walk, skip, cycle or dance your way through Open Streets Woodstock.

Love the vibrancy of the inner city? Here are 17 things to (re)discover Bree Street in Cape Town.

Find out more about Open Streets Bellville and Open Streets Mitchells Plain.

Another cool free street event is the Tweede Nuwe Jaar Street Parade.

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