By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport, with special attention to the needs of those in vulnerable situations, women, children, people with disabilities and older people.
Background
Although Rwanda is a geographically small, it is one of the most densely populated countries in Africa, home to 414 inhabitants per square km. The population is projected to increase to 16.9 million by 2032.[1] Rwanda has set out several priority areas to advance sustainable urbanisation including ensuring universal access to affordable and adequate infrastructure and services. Efficient mobility has been identified as a critical pillar to the prosperity of the Rwandan cities.
The transport system in Rwanda is focused primarily on road networks, with majority of urban residents walking, cycling or using public transport to places of work and other essential services. The percentage share of non-motorised trips in Kigali is around 52 percent, with a higher rate in the secondary cities. However, there is increasing car ownership that makes it difficult for most of the city residents to access economic opportunities.
Challenges
Notable efforts can be observed in most streets in Kigali and other parts of the country where there are pedestrian footpaths. Areas such as Rubavu and Kicukiro have well-constructed footpaths and speed bumps to reduce vehicle speeds. However, areas such as Musanze and Nyagatare have footpaths that are characterized by open drains, gaps and obstructions, making them largely inaccessible. There is also lack of dedicated bicycle facilities in areas like Musanze and Nyagatare despite there being a significant number of cyclists.
The topography of Rwandan cities also presents some challenges for pedestrians and cyclists. The road networks typically follow the contours of hillsides, increasing walking distances. Direct routes may be steep and do not allow comfortable walking, especially for the elderly, persons with small children or those carrying heavy loads.
Successes
The Government of Rwanda, through the Ministry of Infrastructure (MINNIFRA), is soon to finalize the National Transport Policy (NTP) that is set to have a full chapter on non-motorised transport. For sustainable mobility to be realized, Rwanda acknowledges that urgent steps are needed to ensure a more equitable allocation of road space by focusing on walking, cycling, and public transport in the planning, design, construction and management of transport systems. The Policy is currently awaiting Cabinet’s approval.
Residents of the capital city enjoy regular car free days. The Kigali car-free zone concept was introduced in 2015 when a pedestrian-only street was introduced in the Commercial Business District in as part of a wider strategy to decongest the city.
UNEP Share the Road Programmme has partnered with Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) Rwanda to enhance and strengthen the capacity of the government of Rwanda at the national and city level to better design and implement policies and make investment decisions that prioritize the needs of pedestrians and cyclists (particularly vulnerable groups – including women, children, the elderly and people living with disabilities).
