Mombasa County has launched an initiative to improve road safety and promote eco-friendly transport by establishing dedicated cycling lanes and pedestrian-friendly walkways. A flagship project is the completion of a four-kilometer cycling lane along Links Road in Nyali, developed in partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies. This lane provides cyclists with a safer alternative to sharing busy roads with motorists. The project aims to encourage cycling, improve road safety, reduce traffic congestion, and minimize environmental pollution.
The cycling lane is part of a broader effort to promote sustainable transport in Mombasa. According to Bloomberg Philanthropies Communications Officer Kevin Ismael, the project was launched as a pilot initiative, and the partners plan to extend the lane to eight kilometers, eventually connecting it to Mombasa town center. Authorities are working closely with traffic police to ensure the facility remains exclusively for cyclists. Ismael emphasized the importance of collaboration with the police to prevent misuse of the lane by other road users.
Mombasa Deputy Governor Francis Thoya highlighted the growing popularity of cycling in the county, aligning with the long-term vision of promoting environmentally friendly transport. The county government is encouraging residents to adopt green transport alternatives to combat climate change and reduce carbon emissions. Thoya emphasized that cycling is a preferred mode of transport in major cities worldwide and that Mombasa aims to follow suit.
In addition to cycling infrastructure, the county has improved pedestrian infrastructure by paving walkways with cabro blocks, making them more accessible and encouraging residents to walk. Thoya stated that these improvements aim to motivate residents to leave their vehicles behind and walk or cycle to work. Local cyclist Charles Mngenyi welcomed the county's efforts but called for the expansion of cycling infrastructure to other parts of Mombasa.
The county government has introduced additional road safety measures, including the installation of road signs, road markings, and speed-slowing features in accident-prone areas. Chief Officer for Transport, Infrastructure, and Public Works Ali Shariff emphasized the department's commitment to improving safety for all road users. The program has started with high-risk roads, and the county plans to enforce lower speed limits within urban areas as part of its road safety campaign.
The measures come amid ongoing concerns over road safety in Kenya, where pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists remain among vulnerable road users. Data from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) identifies loss of vehicle control, excessive speeding, and improper overtaking as factors associated with road crashes. Young adults aged between 15 and 44 years account for a substantial proportion of road accident casualties.
Mombasa County's efforts to enhance road safety and promote sustainable transport are ongoing, with plans to expand cycling infrastructure and enforce road safety measures. The county aims to create a safer and more environmentally friendly transportation system, encouraging residents to adopt green transport alternatives and reducing the risk of road accidents.
Key points
- Mombasa County has completed a four-kilometer cycling lane along Links Road in Nyali, with plans to extend it to eight kilometers.
- The county government is promoting green transport alternatives to combat climate change and reduce carbon emissions.
- Additional road safety measures, including road signs, markings, and speed-slowing features, have been introduced in accident-prone areas.
