Road track‚ mountain trails‚ jeep and forest tracks for cyclists are being developed in the Garden Route by the Western Cape government. The first phase of the Cape Town to Southern Cape cycle route‚ known as Cross Cape‚ is set to be completed by March 2017. Alan Winde‚ Minister of Economic Opportunities‚ said the 160km track will run between George and Plettenberg Bay.“Our aim is to position the Western Cape as the Cycling Capital of Africa. By the end of March next year‚ our goal is to have completed the track between George and Plett."As part of this process‚ the signage‚ which complies with international standards‚ will be erected."We’ll also complete an audit of accommodation‚ existing cycle tracks and bike shops. Part of our strategy will include launching the route through an international event‚” Winde said. The development of the new route is being driven by the Western Cape Government‚ Wesgro‚ local municipalities and private sector stakeholders in the region.In the 2016/17 financial year‚ the Western Cape Government will invest just over R4 million into the initiative. The route will include road track‚ mountain trails‚ jeep and forest tracks.“This initiative stands to deliver a major economic boost for the Western Cape‚ and especially for the small towns along the route‚" according to the statement from Winde."Tourism is one of this province’s biggest employers. Project Khulisa has identified it as the fastest growing sector. Currently‚ 204‚000 people are employed in formal jobs in the sector and through initiatives such as the Cape to Plett route‚ we want to add up to a further 100‚000 jobs to the sector.The increased economic activity the route will bring into our region will drive new economic opportunities for residents.”..