2015 TMNP Park Planning info session

[i24]

Been doing some homework on this. There is lots to read at http://www.sanparks.org/conservation/park_man/

 

First interesting document, but not directly relevant to Tokai is this, http://www.sanparks.org/assets/docs/conservation/park_man/pmp-stakeholder-participation.pdf Basically it states that SANParks have a legal obligation to involve stakeholders, and provider feedback on an ongoing basis. From my personal experience SANParks have been a bit tardy in adhering to the the word and spirit of this document. I still need to go through the plan for Tokai http://www.sanparks.org/assets/docs/conservation/park_man/tmnp-draft-mgmt-plan.pdf more carefully. Then I will post some comments here.

 

[i24]

I have have up late doing some more homework on this, (between the distractions of load shedding). There are two big documents we are going to be held to:

 

http://www.sanparks.co.za/assets/docs/conservation/park_man/tmnp-draft-mgmt-plan.pdf. (118 pages)

 

http://www.sanparks.co.za/assets/docs/conservation/park_man/tmnp-draft-plan-annexures.pdf. (92 pages)

 

(I think it is fair to assume that one of the functions of the information session is to introduce and explain the above documents. Thus I don't think it is expected of everybody who goes, to read them all before hand.)

 

To my understanding, the most relevant thing in these documents, for us as cyclists, is the “zoning” proposal. They plan on demarcating TMNP into zones as follows:

 

"Remote Core": Hiking only

"Remote": Hiking, mountain biking and horse riding

"Quiet": Hiking, more mountain biking, horse riding and dog walking

"Low Intensity Leisure": Tea rooms, braai areas, tent camps etc.

"High Intensity Leisure": Tour buses, cable car, Cape Point etc.

 

You can see the layout of the zones here: http://www.sanparks.co.za/assets/images/conservation/park_man/tmnp/visitor-use-zones.jpg

 

The good news is that the only area where cycling is totally prohibited by policy is the “Remote Core”. This represents less than 20% of the total park. However mountain biking is noted as being “suitable in certain locations under managed conditions”, within the other zones. IE there is still a lot of work to do before we can go cycle in all of those places. The document also states “impacts of recreational activities” is noted as one of the “ key high biodiversity risks for the Park” but goes on to comment “If these are correctly managed...” Basically we have some work cut out for us.

 

The zones, their management and usage are defined in detail in the Appendix document. I think that while “cycling” is permitted in the “Remote” zone, we will discover that building single tracks for sport downhill cycling is going to be limited to “Quite” zones. This still includes the (ex) forestry areas of Tokai, Cecilia as well as areas around Rhodes Memorial, Table Mountain below Tafelberg Rd and the whole of Signal Hill. That is quite a lot of scope for single track.

 

I think we, as cyclists should be aiming for a two sided approach:

 

1) “Sport mountain biking” on dedicated cycling tracks, often downhill, sometimes unidirectional and closed to horse riders hikers and runners. These would be areas where cyclists can ride as fast as they care. In practice this is likely to be limited to dedicated tracks on the “Quite” zones.

 

2) “Touring cycling” as a means to access the “Remote” parts of the park. This should be permitted on all existing jeep tracks in those parts, as well as on suitable existing hiking trails and newly constructed dual purpose hiking/cycling trails. Cyclists in these areas should give way to hikers, runners and horse riders. They should also be expected curtail their speed, avoid unnecessary noise and other impacts. This would open a huge area of the park to cyclists, cycle tourists and cycle tour operators.

 

If you have any views for or against the above please like the post, or post alternate suggestions. It would be good to get some feedback before the meeting on Thursday.

 

Ian

 

PS: The document also indicates a proposed budget for the park. They expect to make a "surplus" of R1.5m 2015/16 going up to R63m 2019/20. This is something which I am not very happy about.

[tubed]

I have have up late doing some more homework on this, (between the distractions of load shedding). There are two big documents we are going to be held to:

 

http://www.sanparks.co.za/assets/docs/conservation/park_man/tmnp-draft-mgmt-plan.pdf. (118 pages)

 

http://www.sanparks.co.za/assets/docs/conservation/park_man/tmnp-draft-plan-annexures.pdf. (92 pages)

 

(I think it is fair to assume that one of the functions of the information session is to introduce and explain the above documents. Thus I don't think it is expected of everybody who goes, to read them all before hand.)

 

To my understanding, the most relevant thing in these documents, for us as cyclists, is the “zoning” proposal. They plan on demarcating TMNP into zones as follows:

 

"Remote Core": Hiking only

"Remote": Hiking, mountain biking and horse riding

"Quiet": Hiking, more mountain biking, horse riding and dog walking

"Low Intensity Leisure": Tea rooms, braai areas, tent camps etc.

"High Intensity Leisure": Tour buses, cable car, Cape Point etc.

 

You can see the layout of the zones here: http://www.sanparks.co.za/assets/images/conservation/park_man/tmnp/visitor-use-zones.jpg

 

The good news is that the only area where cycling is totally prohibited by policy is the “Remote Core”. This represents less than 20% of the total park. However mountain biking is noted as being “suitable in certain locations under managed conditions”, within the other zones. IE there is still a lot of work to do before we can go cycle in all of those places. The document also states “impacts of recreational activities” is noted as one of the “ key high biodiversity risks for the Park” but goes on to comment “If these are correctly managed...” Basically we have some work cut out for us.

 

The zones, their management and usage are defined in detail in the Appendix document. I think that while “cycling” is permitted in the “Remote” zone, we will discover that building single tracks for sport downhill cycling is going to be limited to “Quite” zones. This still includes the (ex) forestry areas of Tokai, Cecilia as well as areas around Rhodes Memorial, Table Mountain below Tafelberg Rd and the whole of Signal Hill. That is quite a lot of scope for single track.

 

I think we, as cyclists should be aiming for a two sided approach:

 

1) “Sport mountain biking” on dedicated cycling tracks, often downhill, sometimes unidirectional and closed to horse riders hikers and runners. These would be areas where cyclists can ride as fast as they care. In practice this is likely to be limited to dedicated tracks on the “Quite” zones.

 

2) “Touring cycling” as a means to access the “Remote” parts of the park. This should be permitted on all existing jeep tracks in those parts, as well as on suitable existing hiking trails and newly constructed dual purpose hiking/cycling trails. Cyclists in these areas should give way to hikers, runners and horse riders. They should also be expected curtail their speed, avoid unnecessary noise and other impacts. This would open a huge area of the park to cyclists, cycle tourists and cycle tour operators.

 

If you have any views for or against the above please like the post, or post alternate suggestions. It would be good to get some feedback before the meeting on Thursday.

 

Ian

 

PS: The document also indicates a proposed budget for the park. They expect to make a "surplus" of R1.5m 2015/16 going up to R63m 2019/20. This is something which I am not very happy about.

Good suggestions Ian, I agree that singletrack/downhill should probably have dedicated areas such as Tokai and possibly parts of Table Mountain or Signal Hill and then for the rest riding/ commuting speeds are enforced. Its going to take a lot of restraint for riders in those 'shared areas'and a change in attitude, but maybe we can still dream about the ability to ride around Table Mountain on gravel. 

[DJR]

Thanks i24.

 

One thing I'll add as a "want" is to finally get the "dirt Argus" route approved and opened. I.o.w. to ride around the peninsula off road. Start at Signal Hill, around Tokai side, back along Hout Bay side.

 

It is good news that from the documents, it appears to allow for this possibility, mostly along existing tracks. It's been a dream of many for many a year. Let's hope.

[i24]

I thing the "dirt Argus" might be a longer term dream. The first obvious challenge is getting from Rhodes Mem to Constantia Neck which might require co-operation from Kirstenbosch.

 

But the following areas could be opened within weeks:

 

Silvermine to Clovelly

Silvermine tracks East of Ou Kaapse Weg

Constantia Neck up to Table Mountain Dams

Cecelia Forest above Rhodes Drive.

 

And I am sure there are many more routes. But we need to develop a protocol for "low impact cycling". Maybe incorporating permits, cycle boards and/or cycle marshals. A major component would be an education campaign amongst cyclists and buy in from our community.

[marko35s]

Thanks i24.

 

One thing I'll add as a "want" is to finally get the "dirt Argus" route approved and opened. I.o.w. to ride around the peninsula off road. Start at Signal Hill, around Tokai side, back along Hout Bay side.

 

It is good news that from the documents, it appears to allow for this possibility, mostly along existing tracks. It's been a dream of many for many a year. Let's hope.

First thing I noticed was that on the map, it does allow for that possibility.

Second thing was that every piece of ST that Tokai has (had?) sits in a 'Quiet' zone, which I would hope will leave leeway for any future builds and restoration.

[DJR]

..............every piece of ST that Tokai has (had?) sits in a 'Quiet' zone, ....................

No, it just means you won't be allowed to rant at Bianchi riders or shout "Stravaaaaa"

[(Deon)]

NB re zoning. It is not a new thing but some revisions have taken place since the last document was approved. Much of it is still the same but I am seeing new names given to describing the zones.

[(Deon)]

I thing the "dirt Argus" might be a longer term dream. The first obvious challenge is getting from Rhodes Mem to Constantia Neck which might require co-operation from Kirstenbosch.

 

But the following areas could be opened within weeks:

 

Silvermine to Clovelly

Silvermine tracks East of Ou Kaapse Weg

Constantia Neck up to Table Mountain Dams

Cecelia Forest above Rhodes Drive.

 

And I am sure there are many more routes. But we need to develop a protocol for "low impact cycling". Maybe incorporating permits, cycle boards and/or cycle marshals. A major component would be an education campaign amongst cyclists and buy in from our community.

The Appellation trail took 100 years to join into a continuous trail. The plan for the Pen trail should be the same as the methods used there, where every small inclusion will amount to a full trail.

 

Phasing is certainly the best model:

 

1. link town to Tokai

2. loop it back along the atlantic

3. focus on extending to south

4. eventually loop back from Cape Point.

 

K'bosch seem to be onboard, for now. It's all about how long we can keep access.

[i24]

The Appellation trail took 100 years to join into a continuous trail. The plan for the Pen trail should be the same as the methods used there, where every small inclusion will amount to a full trail.

 

Phasing is certainly the best model:

 

1. link town to Tokai

2. loop it back along the atlantic

3. focus on extending to south

4. eventually loop back from Cape Point.

 

K'bosch seem to be onboard, for now. It's all about how long we can keep access.

In 100 years time, I don't think I will be doing much cycling. Let see how much we can achieve in 100 months. How about:

 

Stage 1: Kloof Neck to Constantia Neck - before end of 2015?

[DJR]

In 100 years time, I don't think I will be doing much cycling. Let see how much we can achieve in 100 months. How about:

 

Stage 1: Kloof Neck to Constantia Neck - before end of 2015?

Ha ha, it would be like setting deadlines for evolution. Or trying to force me to do a sub 3 Argus (mule winning the J&B Met). Ha ha even louder.

 

But, yes, I agree, lets push this a little and see if we can at least start it happening! 

[Slowbee]

Looking at the financial number it seems that there might be some thinking of making "millions" from bikers ?

[DJR]

R1 million = 2000 activity cards x R500 a piece. Yup, they may well get in "millions" from cyclists. Also, that will be virtually all profit as their input costs related to cycling will be next to nothing.

[Slowbee]

do hikers and horse riders pay the same price for activity cards ?
 

[(Deon)]

...... their input costs related to cycling will be next to nothing.

This is not entirely true. Historically when Tokai was a one-man run show it could be said that there was minimal input.. but as of 2012 when Table Mountain National Park head office moved into Tokai, the once 'hidden' activity started getting the correct attention from senior management. Attitudes are changing.

[DJR]

This is not entirely true. Historically when Tokai was a one-man run show it could be said that there was minimal input.. but as of 2012 when Table Mountain National Park head office moved into Tokai, the once 'hidden' activity started getting the correct attention from senior management. Attitudes are changing.

Are you saying they may be willing to put more money into building and maintaining cycling trails? I know they have been putting a token amount towards cycling in the past. Let's hope they increase that in future!