EU envoy urges Ugandans to ride bicycles to work
European Union envoy to Uganda Jan Sadek (left), with KCCA and other EU officials- participate in a cycling event in Kampala on November 29, 2024. PHOTO/MICHAEL AGABA
What you need to know:
- The EU ambassador to Uganda said the practice is associated with reducing dangerous emissions.
Head of the European Union Delegation to Uganda, Jan Sadek, has called on Ugandans, especially those living in the capital Kampala, to embrace bicycles as a mode of transportation to ensure physical fitness and prevent air pollution.
He said bicycling is the best alternative to fuel-powered transportation means such as motorcycles and cars.
“You know we can all choose to go by car or bike to work but my message to all citizens in Kampala is to try the bike,” Sadek said on Friday during a cycling event to mark the EU Green diplomacy week as part of their commitment to fight climate change.
He added: “Obviously, there's no engine. Your legs are the engine and then also it will ease congestion in traffic, and it's a very healthy alternative. You get stronger by bicycling.”
EU Green diplomacy week was jointly marked with Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA).
Meanwhile, Sadek used his remarks to acknowledge the risks of riding bicycles in the city.
“I realise that there are many dangers in traffic and that much needs to happen before we can bicycle at a grand scale in Kampala. But we can also push the authorities to try to have more bicycle lanes and safer bicycling in Kampala,” he noted.
Frank Rusa Nyakaana, the acting KCCA executive director, admitted that the infrastructure in Kampala does not favour bicycling.
“So, this initiative is great because with one stroke you solve many things. But of course, there is a lot of work to be done to make cycling easier in our city,” he said.
“So, we are talking about lanes, the way we do our infrastructure planning has to take into account the need of promoting non-motorized transport,” he added.
Nevertheless, he called for more riding of bicycles.
“I've been seeing air pollution reports, and they are a little bit concerning. We need to do something about that. But beyond that there is an issue of health and dealing with traffic congestion which is already a big problem in our city,” he said.
“Because this is very beautiful and we want it gone and let's keep this culture going,” he added.
