Zimbabweans to adapt cycling in push for cleaner environment

Choosing bicycles over vehicles will allow citizens to improve their physical health while also contributing to a cleaner environment, the officials said.

According to Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume, a significant decrease in road accidents is a notable result of this initiative.

He emphasised that if more Zimbabweans opted to cycle to work, it would lead to reduced congestion, fewer road accidents, and numerous other advantages, ultimately contributing to a safer and more sustainable transportation system in the country.

“Most of the health problems that we have in society now is that we are sitting all the time. We sit at work. We sit in the car, as we [drive] there. So it does not help as a society to be built on unhealthy practices,” Mafume said. “But also, it is cheaper on the budget: People can focus on other issues like housing, education, and even investment if they are on bicycles. Also, it is environmentally friendly. It has less impact on our environment. And people would thank us later for this, as they will live to ripe old age in fitness.”

Instead of an expected opposing view, some citizens have surprisingly joined forces with the authorities to trumpet the importance of daily cycling as a means to protect the environment and the pocket.

“Cycling has so many physical benefits,” said Segio Tarwirei who works for a local NGO, Tree Knowers and Growers. “Driving is not good for the environment as cars release dirt into the atmosphere. As an organisation — of Tree Knowers and Growers — we encourage people to cycle. If I was using public transport, I would be paying $4 daily, at the end of the month it would be a lot of money, so cycling is good for health and the pocket.”

Africa is taking bold steps towards a cleaner and healthier environment. With a growing population and rapid urbanisation, the need for sustainable solutions to environmental challenges has become more pressing than ever.

One of the most significant initiatives is the Africa Clean Air Initiative, launched by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in partnership with the African Union. This ambitious programme aims to reduce air pollution in African cities by promoting clean energy, improving waste management, and enhancing public awareness.