First Lady Rachel Ruto has called for the creation of cycling lanes and promotion of mutual respect among all road users.
She noted that creation of cycling routes will promote cycling activities and also reduce accidents.
Rachel spoke after launching Global Alliance of Cities for Road Safety-ACROS at the UN -habitat assembly in Gigiri.
“My office advocates for safe riding that motorists respect cyclists and cyclists respect motorist,” she said
Rachel observed that many cyclists have lost their lives on the Kenyan roads, saying such deaths could have been avoided if there were separate lanes for them.
“We need to cultivate a culture where we care a lot more about each other on our roads,” she said.
The First Lady noted that different people use the roads for different reasons.
“For some, it is for leisure and others it is their means to work while others cycle to get their produce to nearby markets,
“Cycling was an affordable means of transport contributing to attainment of sustainable development goals,”she said.
Rachel says the sporting activity has numerous health benefits and has zero emmision on the environment.
She says cycling offers affordable solutions and brings people of all walks of life together.
With a team of cyclists, the First Lady rode for 10.8 Km from State House to the UN Habitat headquarters in Gigiri.
Youths Affairs, Sports and Arts, Cabinet Secretary, Ababu Namwamba acknowledged the First Lady’s efforts in promoting safe cycling.
“The Government supports cycling and safety of our cyclists remains our key priority,” he said.
Namwamba said the Government was committed to ensuring cycling remains a top climate action sport.
UN-Habitat, Executive Director, Maimuna Mohd Sharif called on governments to create cycling paths noting that priority is always given to cars.
“Cycling is amazing, and inspiring sport. I personally ride to my office everyday,except when it is raining,” said Mohd.
United Nations Special Envoy for Road Safety John Todt said cycling reduces road fatalities.
“Cycling is simple, affordable and interactive with environment,which also brings together people of all walk of life,” said Todt.