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| V&A Waterfront in Cape Town |
The City of Cape Town wants to introduce a bike share scheme, like the ones we know from Paris or Melbourne. But how to best to do this hasn’t been figured out yet. Jared Chaitowitz, so full of energy is an excellent example of a Capetonian willing to bring on change. He promotes a cycle friendly city, and wants ordinary people to realise that they can use bicycles to get around town. He wants cycling to be more accessible for people. While he believes that everybody can cycle the streets, his hopes are high for an even better bicycle infrastructure in Cape Town. He had a fantastic idea when he, together with a partner, founded Up Cycles: Cape Town's first drop-and-go bicycle rental company. You will find the bike rental scheme at the Sea Point Pavilion, at the Breakaway Cafe and at the Clock Tower Square at the V&A Waterfront.
Jared was so lovely to tell us about Cape Town, and as you can see from his answers he loves his project. That is a proper entrepreneur for you right?
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| Happy Capetonian and Entrepreneur Jared Chaitowitz |
The Touristin: Three words that characterize Cape Town?
The Touristin: How do you get around Cape Town?
Jared Chaitowitz: I mainly get around by bicycle, but sometimes I drive my car with the top down too.
The Touristin: What is the best kept secret about Cape Town?
Jared Chaitowitz: Lots of people don't know that they're allowed to ride a bicycle on the Sea Point Promenade. It used to be banned, but it's now a shared public space, and the safest, most scenic place to ride a bike in Cape Town.
The Touristin: What is your favourite borough/suburb/area in Cape Town and why?
Jared Chaitowitz: I love Sea Point on the Atlantic Seaboard. It is a unique mix of seaside and city living. It has lovely, green, wide open public spaces, and a number of spectacular beaches. Most importantly, it is a cosmopolitan and diverse place, where people from all walks of life and all parts of the world live and work together, surrounded by the most stunning natural beauty.
The Touristin: The best place for a coffee in Cape Town?
Jared Chaitowitz: The best place is Breakaway Café on Waterkant Street in downtown Cape Town. Delicious coffee, a double shot in every cup, affordable prices and eye catching decor.
The Touristin: What is one restaurant we must try out while in Cape Town?
Jared Chaitowitz: Breakaway Café also does great food. But for a nice dinner I always recommend Ristorante Posticino on Main Road, Sea Point- the best wood fired pizza in town.
The Touristin: Where would we meet you on weekends?
Jared Chaitowitz: Most likely riding my bike on the Promenade, or if I'm lucky on Clifton Beach, getting a tan.
The Touristin: Do you have a favourite museum/gallery we all have to visit when in Cape Town?
Jared Chaitowitz: The Iziko Slave Lodge is a painful but important museum to visit. There you can learn about the tragic history that continues to shape South Africa today. The effects of the past are still felt in Cape Town, and the Slave Lodge helps us to better understand the socio-political challenges of the city.
The Touristin: What are some of your favourite places to shop for A) groceries and B) clothes?
Jared Chaitowitz: The Oranjezicht City Farm has delicious organic produce and the V&A Waterfront has many clothing retailers to choose from.
The Touristin: What souvenir shall we bring back from Cape Town?
Jared Chaitowitz: Support one of the many local artisans making anything from sculptures to paintings to boutique clothing. Maybe buy a novel written by a talented local writer like Lauren Beukes.
The Touristin: Thank you so much. All the best for Up Cycles and the Breakaway Café. See you in Cape Town.
Would you like to know what else to do in Cape Town read 10 fantastic things to do in Cape Town. If you would like to meet more eyewitnesses please jump straight to the Eyewitness Series on The Touristin.
From Berlin with love