As part of the African Mobility Month, the EU Delegation in Rwanda, We Do Green, the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), and the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP) have collaborated to promote the use and acceptability of non-motorized transport to contribute towards reducing Green House Gas emissions (GHG). African Mobility Month is a campaign that aims to promote sustainable mobility in African cities.
The campaign will foster the continued and increased investment into facilities such as bicycle parking, charging stations for electric bicycles, bicycle storage on buses, and protection of routes for walking that can accommodate commuters and the needs of communities. It will also seek to encourage citizens of Kigali to walk or cycle for mobility in their daily lives.
The Head of Delegation of the European Union to Rwanda, Ambassador Nicola Bellomo said; “The EU and Rwanda jointly lead in the fight against climate change, by taking concrete actions to turn our obligations under the Paris Agreement into timely emission reductions on the ground. With this campaign, we encourage people to consider walking and cycling as the mode of transport, thereby contributing to the ambitious targets of reducing Green House Gas emissions.”
“Non-motorized or carbon-neutral means of mobility is encouraged not only to reduce GHG emissions that trigger climate change but also to limit air pollution that negatively impacts our respiratory health. Walking and cycling are also great ways to stay active and fit. GGG is excited to be part of this campaign with partners in Rwanda to promote sustainable mobility as one of the key solutions to current challenges paving the way for a cleaner and healthier future,” said Inhee Chung, GGGI Rwanda Country Representative.
The campaign counts on Kigalians to join in and share their story under the hashtags #AfricanMobilityMonth #RwandaWalks #RwandaCycles #CompleteStreets #GreenMobility. From 28th September to 30 October participants will be able to have their photos taken at one of the Africa Mobility Month stop-overs located in the Central business district, Kisimenti, Sonatubes, Kacyiru and MTN Center in Nyarutarama, the times for taking photos for each stop-over will be shared online by Friday 25th September. As of 28th September they can to log onto the campaign website walkandcycle.rw , enter names and distance covered by using non-motorized or green transport and add to the greenhouse gas emissions avoided as part of the campaign. The participants having reduced the highest amount of GHG emissions will receive prizes. Winners will be announced online at the end of African Mobility Month.
African Mobility Month is a campaign that aims to promote sustainable mobility in African cities focusing on promoting walking and cycling. This year, given the challenges of responding to covid-19, mobility in African cities is an important component of ensuring an effective economic recovery. This year’s event will focus on encouraging modes of transport that comply with social distancing requirements while contributing to low-carbon development and economic growth.
For more information on African Mobility Month, visit: https://africa.iclei.org/re-imagining-the-future-of-mobility-in-african-cities-during-africanmobilitymonth-2020/
Front page image from Flickr
CONTACTS:
Pamela Birungi
Senior Officer: Communications & Knowledge Management
Global Green Growth Institute
Mobile: +250 783126261