Towards sustainable cities : prospects and dangers of cycling bicycles in the city of Johannesburg

Abstract: The city of Johannesburg has recently constructed and demarcated cycling lines alone some of its major highways. Some of them connect the University of Johannesburg campuses which are across towns. None of the University staff and students seems to have any interest in cycling. The study is based on quantitative research. Questionnaires were given to students and 484 students responded. The study aimed to investigate if the student are aware of the cycling lanes. Through the response from first survey question, students seem to be concern about safety. Students were also asked if in their opinion cycling is safe. 50% of the response said no while the other half said yes. Out of the number that said yes there where asked how is cycling unsafe. Students also gave their opinions and also choose from theft (in their residence), Theft elsewhere (e.g., school, shopping Centre), reckless driving, cycling lane design and surface, lack of cycling skills and mugging and robbing. 484 students responded to this study. Reckless driving is ranking at 86% percent which shows that the respondents are more concerned of the motorist who ignores or do not respect the rules of the road