Premier Zille and Cllr Herron race a MyCiTi bus to town

Premier of the Western Cape, Helen Zille, and the City of Cape Town's Mayoral Committee Member for Transport, Roads and Stormwater, Councillor Brett Herron, took part in a bicycle race against a MyCiTi bus and a car in normal traffic this morning, to see who would finish the route between the Table View MyCiTi station and the Civic Centre station in the fastest time.

Just after 07:00 the Premier, accompanied by a group of fellow cyclists, set off from the parking area of the Table View Shopping Centre, opposite the main Table View MyCiTi station.

Their start was coordinated to match the departure time of the 07:04 scheduled MyCiTi bus, destined for the CBD.

Ward Councillor Joy McCarthy took part ceremonially by traveling on the 07.04 bus, while the City's Executive Deputy Mayor, Alderman Ian Neilson, took part in the race by traveling in his car.

The cyclists followed the NMT route along the R27, through Paarden Island and into town. The bus followed the dedicated red bus lane, while the car travelled in normal traffic.

The event formed part of the Premier's training regime for this year's Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour. This will be her first attempt at the event.

"I had hoped to beat the bus, but sadly we came second. I am nonetheless happy with my time today. It was good, and provided much-needed exercise ahead of the Argus," said Premier Zille.

For the record: the bus finished first in a travel time of 40 minutes, followed by Premier Zille in 49 minutes. Alderman Neilson finished third in his car, in a travel time of 57 minutes. This demonstrates again that catching public transport on the dedicated MyCiTi route or riding a bicycle saves more time, is more cost-effective and has less of an impact on the environment that single-occupancy private vehicles.

Statement issued by Zak Mbhele, Spokesperson for the Premier of the Western Cape, Helen Zille, February 22 2012

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