10 REASONS TO INVEST IN SAFER CYCLING AND WALKING IN AFRICA

 

 "Instead of jumping in a car to go 500 meters, if we use a bike or walk it will make an enormous difference… People should be given road space whereby they can use less polluting and less carbon intensive non-motorized transport.”  Dr. R.K. Pachauri

1. Africa’s rate of urbanization is the highest in the world - by 2030 most Africans will live in cities.  Short city trips are ideal for cycling and walking when safe, adequate sidewalks and cycle lanes are available.
   
   
2. The world’s light duty vehicle fleet is set to triple by 2050.  By then almost two-thirds of the global vehicle fleet will be found in developing countries, with an estimated six-fold increase of the non-OECD fleet from current levels.  Public transport, cycling, and pedestrian facilities will help to offset congestion and growing emissions.
   
   
3. Africa’s roads are the world’s most dangerous and becoming worse - by 2020 road accidents will kill or disable more people than war, tuberculosis, and HIV combined.  The current cost estimate for African countries is around 2% of GNP or US$ 6.2 billion.
   
   
4. The most vulnerable road users are often those forced to compete for road space with cars and trucks – i.e. pedestrians and cyclists who cannot afford other transport means.  Figures from Nairobi, Kenya show that 50-60% of accident victims are pedestrians and cyclists
   
   
5. The environment and human health costs of road transport are part of a growing global problem that is reaching overwhelming proportions.  Urban air pollution causes over 800,000 deaths each year, with more than 70% in developing countries.
   
   
6. Road transport is responsible for an estimated 70-90% of air pollution in urban areas, and 74% of the world's total transport-related CO2 emissions from fossil fuel combustion.  Safer, more abundant cycling and walking facilities can increase the modal share of non-motorized transport and help to lower emissions. Cycling and walking provide 100% energy savings on trips when substituting car use. 
   
   
7. Six bicycles can fit in the same road or parking space of one car.  Encouraging cycling and walking will mean more efficient use of land resources and road space, moving more people more economically and with less environmental impact.
   
   
8. There is sufficient demand for walking and cycling facilities to justify a proportional investment as part of road building.  In most major cities in Africa more than 50% of all trips are non-motorized, mainly on foot.
   
   
9. Improving road safety by providing adequate sidewalks and cycle lanes will contribute to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals by improving mobility and access to basic services, education, and employment while ensuring environmental sustainability. 
   
   
10. Improved access to mobility and more equitable road space allocation between transport modes (e.g. cars, cyclists, and pedestrians) can also address social and economic inequalities.