Cycling towards a greener, healthier future

Cliff Chiduku
Herald Correspondent

The climate crisis remains one of the most pressing global challenges of our time, requiring urgent and sustainable solutions.

While governments and the private sector focus on electric vehicles, renewable energy and carbon offset programmes, a simple, cost-effective and often overlooked solution exists: the bicycle.

As a clean mode of transportation, cycling has the potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions while offering numerous health and economic benefits.

In Africa, where the burden of chronic diseases is rising and urban mobility is increasingly expensive and inefficient, cycling presents an affordable and sustainable alternative.

However, to fully realise its potential, Africa must adopt policies that promote cycling, especially in urban areas.

The transport sector is one of the largest contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for more than 25 percent of total emissions.

Cars, buses and motorcycles that run on fossil fuels release carbon dioxide, a major driver of climate change.

In contrast, bicycles produce zero emissions, making them one of the cleanest modes of transport available.

A shift from motor vehicles to bicycles, especially for short and medium-distance travel, could significantly reduce urban air pollution and lower carbon footprints.

In Africa, many cities are plagued by congestion, with vehicles idling for hours in traffic jams, leading to excessive fuel consumption and increased air pollution.

As populations grow and people seek economic opportunities, the increase in traffic is outpacing infrastructure development, resulting in traffic jams.

Such traffic conditions in several African cities are worsening, leading to longer commutes and decreased productivity.

The most affected cities include Lagos (Nigeria), Pretoria (South Africa, Cairo (Egypt), Nairobi (Kenya), Harare, among others. For Harare, it becomes worse whenever it rains.

Bicycles, however, provide a practical solution as they allow people to navigate through traffic more efficiently and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

If cycling infrastructure is developed and cycling becomes a mainstream form of transport, African cities could witness a reduction in carbon emissions and improved air quality, leading to healthier urban environments.

This could be Africa’s contribution under the principle of common but differentiated responsibility of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Beyond its environmental benefits, cycling has a profound impact on public health.

The World Health Organisation has reported a sharp increase in lifestyle-related chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, particularly in Africa. Moreso, between half and 88 percent of deaths across sub-Saharan African countries are caused by chronic diseases, experts say.

Rapid urbanisation, coupled with sedentary lifestyles and poor dietary choices, has led to an alarming rise in these conditions.

Encouraging cycling as a primary mode of transport could help counteract this trend by promoting physical activity.

Cycling is a full-body workout that improves cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles and enhances mental well-being. Unlike gym memberships and specialised fitness programmes, which are often expensive, cycling is an affordable way to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

If more people embrace cycling on a daily basis, the prevalence of lifestyle diseases could decline, leading to healthier populations and reduced healthcare costs for governments.

Cycling is not just a healthy and environmental solution — it is also an economically viable alternative to motorised transport.

Owning and maintaining a bicycle is significantly cheaper than maintaining a car.

Bicycles do not require fuel, insurance, or frequent repairs, making them an attractive option for low-income households.

With the cost of fuel and public transport constantly rising, cycling presents an opportunity for individuals to save money while maintaining mobility.

Moreover, investing in cycling infrastructure can boost local economies.

Countries such as the Netherlands and Denmark, where cycling is deeply embedded in their culture, have seen significant economic benefits from cycling-related industries.

Africa can replicate this success by creating policies that support bicycle production, repair and sales.

Despite its numerous advantages, cycling remains largely neglected in African urban planning.

Roads are often designed with cars in mind, leaving little room for cyclists.

Moreover, the perception of cycling as a “poor man’s transport” discourages many people from embracing it as a viable and sustainable commuting option.

If cycling is to become a mainstream mode of transport, African governments must take deliberate steps to promote and integrate it into urban mobility systems.

One of the main barriers to cycling in African cities is the lack of proper infrastructure.

Dedicated bicycle lanes and secure parking facilities must be prioritised in urban planning.

Creating safe cycling routes will also encourage more people to choose bicycles over cars, reducing road carnage, congestion and pollution.

Cliff Chiduku is a communications, public policy and governance expert with interests in climate and environmental issues. He writes in his personal capacity. Feedback:[email protected] or Call/App +263775716517.

Changing public perception is also crucial to making cycling a popular choice.

Many people view cycling as impractical or associate it with lower socio-economic status.

So public awareness campaigns highlighting the health, environmental, and economic benefits of cycling can help shift this perception.

Schools and companies should encourage cycling by offering incentives, such as discounted bicycle purchases or cycling-to-work programmes.

For cycling to become a sustainable transport option, it must be integrated with public transport systems.

In cities where distances are long for cycling alone, bike-and-ride programmes can be implemented.

This would allow commuters to cycle to the bus or train station, securely park their bicycles and continue their journey using public transport.

Such systems have been successful in cities such as Amsterdam and Copenhagen and African cities can adopt similar models.

Governments must also enact policies that protect and promote cycling.

Traffic laws should be revised to ensure cyclists are given the same rights and protection as motorists.

Strict penalties for reckless driving that endangers cyclists should be enforced. Additionally, urban planning policies should mandate the inclusion of cycling infrastructure in all new road and mall construction projects.

Cycling is an overlooked yet powerful solution to climate change and public health crises.

Implied is that we should not wait for the World Bicycle Day on June 3 to draw people’s attention to the benefits of using the bicycle.

On March 15 2022, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution to integrate bicycling into public transportation systems for sustainable development.

The UN recognises that the bicycle is an instrument of sustainable transportation and conveys a positive message to foster sustainable consumption and production and has a positive impact on climate.

As a clean mode of transport, it can help reduce carbon emissions, alleviate traffic congestion, and promote sustainable urban development.

In a continent where chronic diseases are on the rise and transportation costs are escalating, cycling presents a cost-effective and healthy alternative.

By prioritising bicycles, Africa can take a significant step towards a greener, healthier, and more sustainable future. Food for thought!