Premier Alan Winde and MEC of Finance and Economic Opportunities, David Maynier, have launched the Karoo Crossing Route in Prince Albert.

The Karoo Crossing is the fifth route in the Cape Cycle Routes network, which is a Western Cape Government initiative, marketed by Wesgro.

The Karoo Crossing stretches from Knysna to Calitzdorp or vice versa and takes cyclists on a 358km journey as they start – or end – their ride at a location in Knysna on the edge of a vast estuary which flows into the Indian Ocean through two giant sandstone heads.

Executive Mayor of Prince Albert, Goliath Lottering says the  initiative is a great one, after the devastating effects of the lockdown since March 2020.

“It is definitely a very positive thing for the community when we do cycling in this area as we will definitely attract a lot of tourists. Today is already a boost for us, having so many people in town, who have slept over and spent some money at the local restaurants. For the Prince Albert community and for the municipality this is really a great initiative and going forward we want to build around it because our economic drivers in this area are tourism and agriculture.”

For more information about the Cape Cycle Routes and the five routes that have been developed please visit www.capecycleroutes.co.za