By Joseph Sooka
Jinja City is warming up to celebrate World Car Free Day 2025, an initiative that promotes safe cycling and a people-centered city. This celebration is the culmination of three years of research by Coop-Africa in partnership with Jinja City to promote safe cycling.
During a critical mass organized in Jinja, authorities stressed that the research was necessitated by the increasing safety threats posed by drivers and motorcycle riders who operate beyond recommended speed limits.
According to Marieke De Wild, Coop-Africa Programs Manager, 99% of cars and motorcycles operate beyond allowed limits, putting bicycle operators’ lives at risk. For instance, on Jinja Main Street, where the maximum allowed speed is 20Km/hr, drivers operate at around 35Km/hr and above.
“Ninety nine (99%) of cars and motorcycles operate beyond the allowed speed limit. This is really a threat on the roads,” Marieke noted.
To address this, some roads in Jinja City, such as Masese industrial area road and Jinja Namasagali railway line, have been mapped for renovation with bicycle lanes to increase safety for non-motorized transport. Additionally, solar-powered speed display screens will be installed to help reduce overspeeding.
“There is also installation of solar powered speed display screens along some roads in Jinja city, which displays the speed being used by a certain road user. This helps to inform such a person how to reduce the speed or maintain hence reducing accident possibilities,” she said.
Harnest Nabihamba, Jinja City’s Environment Officer, welcomed the Car Free Day initiative, highlighting its benefits for good health, physical exercise, and clean air.
He encouraged parents to opt for bicycles as a mode of transport for their school-going children, emphasizing that bicycle usage promotes a friendly nature and good health.
“Bicycles are also commercial since they are little bit cheaper when compared to means of transport,” Nabihamba urged.
Edgar Kabaale, General Manager of Coop-Uganda, expressed his gratitude to all who attended the critical mass event, highlighting the significant role bicycles play in various aspects of life, including education, health, business, sports, and more.
In partnership with Jinja City Council, Coop-Uganda gears to commemorate this special day in September to recognize and appreciate the efforts of cyclists in promoting a carbon-free city.
The celebration is part of Jinja City’s efforts to promote a carbon-free city, with Coop-Uganda and Jinja City Council collaborating to recognize the efforts of cyclists.
