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November 8, 2024 | 05:35 pm
TEMPO.CO, Dakar - Doctor Philip Moreira's commute to the hospital on an electric bicycle is a dangerous, smog-infused weave through the chaotic traffic of Senegal's capital Dakar.
Moreira, 58, is part of a small but budding community of urban cyclists that have become a more common sight in recent years, zipping around Dakar's gridlock for exercise and fun, signaling a shift in the city's transport dynamics.
Cycling groups have never had so many members, and say authorities are not doing enough to turn the growing interest in bicycles into plans to reduce congestion and carbon emissions.
Moreira's club "Velo Passion" saw its memberships double to over 500 in the last five years.
Yet many of Dakar's cyclists still venture out only on weekends when traffic is lighter, due to concerns about poor infrastructure and reckless driving.
"Between cars that cut in front of you and those who honk at you relentlessly, it can be very difficult," said Moreira, recalling a close call with a bus.
As African leaders push for more funding for climate solutions ahead of COP29 next week, campaigners in Senegal say improving road safety and government-led cycling campaigns would get more people to switch away from cars - a cost-effective way to meet emission targets.
"You may not be able to convince people used to blast AC in their SUVs," said campaigner Baye Cheikh Sow. "But you can target the new generation."
According to a 2022 United Nations Environment Programme report, Africa has the highest global average of walking and cycling at 56 minutes per person per day, compared to the global average of 43.9 minutes.
But this is not being retained as cities and incomes grow, because urban transport and status are biased towards motorized vehicles.
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