As a precinct, Rosebank is known for its focus on walkability and attention to creating a connected and pedestrian-friendly environment. The neighbourhood’s thoughtful design and emphasis on accessibility make it one of Johannesburg’s most vibrant and easy-to-navigate areas. In celebration of national Transport Month in October, the Rosebank Management Districts organised a series of events aimed at promoting safer and more sustainable mobility solutions to enhance ease of movement through the neighbourhood.
Reimagining Rosebank: The street experiment
On Friday, 11 October 2024, the Rosebank Management Districts (Lower Rosebank Management District and Upper Rosebank Management District), in collaboration with Young Urbanists (a Cape Town-founded advocacy group), hosted an innovative street experiment on Bath Avenue as part of Design Week South Africa and the ongoing #GoRosebank campaign. The initiative sought to reimagine the street as a more pedestrian-friendly and cycling-friendly thoroughfare, with a focus on creating a user-friendly and community-oriented urban space.
The activation included discussions, demonstrations, and hands-on activities focused on making safer walkways, vibrant place-making, and showcasing redesigned pedestrian crossings. The fun and interactive, guerrilla-style activation encouraged participants to creatively engage with the road space and envision how these enhancements could transform the neighbourhood.
The event also laid the groundwork for future interventions, such as universally accessible zebra crossings and enhanced safety features along Bath Avenue. Temporary installations like lane demarcations using cones and neon pedestrian crossing markers illustrated potential walkways and cycling lanes. Participants also placed plant boxes along Bath Avenue. These tactical urbanism efforts highlighted how thoughtful, low-cost enhancements could immediately make the street safer, more welcoming, and better suited for walking and cycling.
Mikhaela Donaldson, Rosebank District Manager, explained that the goal of the exercise was to reimagine mobility in the area and rethink how the diverse groups who navigate Rosebank daily –pedestrians, cyclists, commuters, and schoolchildren – can access the neighbourhood safely and efficiently. While these changes won’t happen overnight, she emphasised the importance of sparking the conversation and creating a collaborative blueprint for future improvements, with the support of the city.
The event was attended by a wide range of stakeholders, including City of Johannesburg transport officials, representatives from the Rosebank and Oxford Parks Management Districts, and engaged community members – all united in their shared vision for an improved experience of Rosebank.
Other initiatives celebrating mobility
In addition to the street experiment, Rosebank hosted a thought-provoking discussion on urban design during Design Week South Africa. This session explored how neighbourhoods can thrive without the need for high walls and electric fences, while still maintaining safety and vibrancy. The conversation focused on how innovative urban design can foster mixed-use neighbourhoods that encourage community interaction and active lifestyles.
Rosebank also supported two social rides hosted by The Zone @ Rosebank in partnership with Critical Mass, and Johannesburg In Your Pocket in collaboration with the Banditz Bicycle Club. More than 130 participants attended these events. These activations further positioned Rosebank as a pedestrian- and cycle-friendly district, underscoring the area’s commitment to active mobility.
Finally, also in the month of October, Rosebank Mall hosted a successful 5km Pink Run, in partnership with CANSA and in support of raising awareness and funds for breast cancer, which further cemented Rosebank’s identity as a walkable and health-conscious community.
Looking ahead
These activities reflect a growing momentum in Rosebank towards becoming a more walkable, connected, and inclusive neighbourhood. Through ongoing efforts and collaboration between residents, businesses, and city officials, Rosebank is poised to lead the way in reimagining urban mobility in Johannesburg—creating spaces that encourage healthier, safer, and more sustainable ways of moving around the city.
To join us and support initiatives by the Rosebank Management Districts, please contact mikhaela@localabode.co.za or melusi.hlatshwayo@inyourpocket.com
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