DAKAR – Doctor Philip Moreira’s daily journey to the city’s bustling hospital on his electric bicycle is fraught with peril, as he navigates through the smog-laden and chaotic traffic of Senegal‘s vibrant capital, Dakar, where honking cars and erratic drivers are a constant threat.
Moreira, 58, stands at the forefront of a growing community of urban cyclists, whose numbers have surged in recent years. These cyclists have become a more familiar sight, darting energetically through the city’s notorious gridlock, highlighting a shift towards healthier, more eco-friendly transportation options in Dakar.
Cycling groups in Dakar have never enjoyed such robust participation, as membership levels soar. However, these advocates argue that local authorities are falling short in transforming the flourishing interest in cycling into tangible strategies aimed at alleviating congestion and reducing carbon emissions.
In the past five years, Moreira’s cycling club, “Velo Passion,” has seen its membership numbers soar, doubling to over 500 passionate participants eager to embrace cycling as a viable mode of transport and recreation.
Despite this growth, the majority of Dakar’s cyclists still prefer to ride only on weekends when traffic is notably lighter, a choice influenced by their concerns regarding poor infrastructure and the dangers posed by reckless drivers on the roads. “Between cars that cut in front of you and those who honk at you relentlessly, it can be very difficult,” said Moreira, as he recounted a harrowing close call with a bus that nearly ended in disaster.
With African leaders gearing up to advocate for increased climate funding at the upcoming COP29 next week, local campaigners in Senegal emphasize that enhancing road safety and launching government-backed cycling initiatives could encourage more citizens to transition away from car dependency—a cost-effective strategy to achieve national emission reduction targets.
“You may not be able to convince people used to blasting AC in their SUVs,” observed campaigner Baye Cheikh Sow. “But you can target the new generation,” he added optimistically, pointing towards the youth as potential champions for this sustainable movement.
According to a 2022 United Nations Environment Programme report, Africa’s urban dwellers average an impressive 56 minutes per person per day engaged in walking and cycling, considerably higher than the global average of 43.9 minutes.
However, as urbanization and income levels rise, this active lifestyle trend is at risk of being overshadowed, with an increasing bias in urban transport and status towards motorized vehicles that signal wealth and modernity.
The swift and often unchecked growth of African cities has unfortunately rendered the continent one of the most dangerous places for cyclists and pedestrians, as stated by the UNEP, which decries the urgent need for safer urban environments.
“In the African context we have a modal share of active mobility that countries in Europe would love to have… because people don’t have a choice,” explained Carly Gilbert-Patrick, who heads the UNEP team focused on promoting active mobility.
In a bid to cater to the surging demand for sustainable urban transport, Senegal has emerged as one of the few African nations actively incorporating cycling into its urban planning initiatives.
Dakar’s urban transport agency, CETUD, has outlined an ambitious goal to establish a comprehensive 175-kilometer integrated cycling lane network by 2035. However, the long-awaited unveiling of the first 12-kilometer segment has faced delays stretching over several months, leading to mounting skepticism within the cycling community about the government’s commitment to fostering this movement.
CETUD admitted in an email correspondence that current cycling infrastructure is insufficient, and revealed that the government has yet to devise a concrete policy to promote urban cycling actively.
On a sweltering Sunday, irritated drivers were compelled to temporarily halt their journeys to accommodate a lively group of cyclists racing energetically in a controlled loop on a highway just outside Dakar.
Guisse Mohammed, a dedicated 39-year-old pharmacist who seldom misses his Sunday rides on a sports bike, still opts for the safety of his car for daily commuting. “I have been thinking about buying a city bike,” he expressed. “Having more cycling lanes could be a motivation,” he added, underlining the need for improved infrastructure to encourage biking in the city.
**Interview with Dr. Philip Moreira, Urban Cyclist and Advocate for Cycling in Dakar**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Moreira. Your daily commute through Dakar’s chaotic traffic is certainly a testament to your commitment to cycling. Can you share what motivated you to start biking to the hospital?
**Dr. Moreira:** Thank you for having me. I’ve always believed in the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and biking fits perfectly into that philosophy. Beyond my personal health, cycling also offers a sustainable alternative to driving in our busy city. However, the sheer volume of traffic and the pollution are daunting, to say the least.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the challenges of navigating the streets. Can you elaborate on your experiences regarding road safety?
**Dr. Moreira:** Absolutely. Every day is an adventure; the traffic can be incredibly chaotic. I’ve had some very close calls with reckless drivers. Just the other day, a bus cut me off, and I could have easily been injured. I’ve had to develop a keen awareness of my surroundings, but it’s not something everyone feels comfortable doing, especially with the lack of proper cycling infrastructure.
**Interviewer:** It’s encouraging to hear that your cycling club, “Velo Passion,” is thriving. Why do you think cycling has gained such popularity in Dakar?
**Dr. Moreira:** I believe there’s a growing awareness of the benefits of cycling—not just for health, but also as a way to combat the congestion we face daily. Many people are beginning to see cycling as a mode of transport that can help reduce our carbon footprint. We have over 500 active members in our club, and that reflects a significant shift in mindset.
**Interviewer:** Despite the increasing interest, many cyclists still prefer to ride on weekends. What do you think needs to happen to change that?
**Dr. Moreira:** We need to see improvements in road safety and infrastructure. More protected bike lanes and traffic calming measures would make a big difference. There’s a real opportunity here for local authorities to turn this interest into a sustainable movement, perhaps by focusing on younger generations who are ready for change.
**Interviewer:** With COP29 approaching, what message do you hope the leaders take back regarding cycling and urban transport in Africa?
**Dr. Moreira:** Cycling should be at the forefront of discussions about sustainable urban transport. It’s a cost-effective solution that can help reduce emissions and alleviate traffic congestion. By investing in safe cycling infrastructure and encouraging more cycling initiatives, we could truly transform our cities into healthier environments.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Moreira, for sharing your experiences and insights. It’s clear that cycling can play a vital role in urban sustainability and health.
**Dr. Moreira:** Thank you for having me. I hope our discussions inspire more citizens to consider cycling as a viable option for transportation in Dakar.
