Cycling Push in Harare: A Health and Environmental Initiative

HARARE, ZIMBABWE — In a bid to address a broken public transit system, poor road conditions, fuel shortages, and low salaries, Zimbabwean authorities are urging citizens to cycle to work. Promoted for health reasons and to foster a cleaner environment, the initiative highlights the advantages of bicycles, which do not rely on fossil fuels.

Jacob Mafume, the mayor of Harare, advocates for the benefits of cycling, emphasizing its potential to reduce congestion and road accidents. “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 stated. “But also, it is also cheaper on the budget: People can focus on other issues like housing, education and even investment, if they are on bicycles. And also, it is environmentally friendly. It is less impact on our environment. And people would thank us later for this, as they will live to ripe old age in fitness.”

The mayor leads by example, often seen cycling around the city. On June 1, 2024, he spoke to reporters before leaving the Town House on his bicycle, emphasizing the city's commitment to this initiative.

Ngoni Nyamadzawo, a part-time gardener in Harare’s affluent suburbs, has embraced cycling as a cost-saving measure. With an average salary of $150 a month, Nyamadzawo saves approximately $30 on transport by cycling. “I see cycling as a saving measure. If I did not cycle, I would use $30 a month for transport,” he said.

For Segio Tarwirei, an employee of the local NGO Tree Knowers and Growers, cycling is both an economic and environmental choice. “Cycling has so many physical benefits,” he explained. “Driving is not good for the environment as cars release dirt into the atmosphere. As an organization — 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.”

Tarwirei, who cycles daily, is also calling for the rehabilitation of Harare’s neglected cycling tracks. Mayor Mafume acknowledges this need and assures residents of upcoming improvements. “We are going to revamp them,” he said. “One of the issues that we have to do is to put a cycle track running across Harare Drive. Once we have a cycle track circling the city, then all the other cycle tracks can fit into Harare Drive.”

Harare Drive, the city's longest road, is central to this plan, aiming to create an interconnected network of cycle tracks across the capital. This ambitious project underscores the city's dedication to promoting a healthier lifestyle and reducing environmental impact through increased cycling.

As Zimbabwe grapples with infrastructural challenges, the push for cycling presents a promising solution, offering financial, health, and environmental benefits for its citizens.