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Urban residents urged to cycle to work

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Mr Bernard Wahome (left) offers riding lessons to a client at Wheels of Africa. Photo/SARAH OOKO

As most Nairobi residents board matatus or drive to work, Bernard Wahome rides a bicycle from his Waiyaki Way home to Lower Kabete where he works.

Mr Wahome says he does not mind what critics say since the gains are worth the effort. “I keep fit, live healthy and reach work fast while enjoying myself all the way.”

Mr Wahome represents a new breed of urban residents who are slowly shedding negative sentiments about cycling, especially in a city where traffic jams are endless and motorists are increasingly careless.

“This is the way to go, more so now that we are beginning to have roads with segregated paths for cyclists,” says Prisca Oluoch, the director of Wheels of Africa, an organisation that promotes cycling among Kenyans.

She, however, notes that bicycle lanes should be incorporated in all roads so that cyclists from all parts of the city can be protected from fast-moving vehicles.

According to Mr Wahome, who also works for the organisation, safety is important for people interested in cycling.

Cyclists should always wear helmets as well as reflective jackets to make them more visible to other road users.

He adds that having the right kind of bicycle also helps to prevent accidents.

Wheels of Africa imports low-cost but high-quality mountain bikes which have dependable brakes and can navigate Kenya’s erratic terrains, thus minimising fatalities.

“We sell or lease out the bikes at subsidised rates to the public so that more people can begin owning and using them,” says Ms Oluoch.

In addition, the organisation offers riding lessons to newcomers that include mastering the cycling code.

“For instance, they need to know how to indicate with hands when turning, where to ride and how to interact with other motorists.” As members of the Kenya Cycling Forum, she notes that they are working with government to incorporate cycling in the school curriculum.

“Children should grow up knowing that it is okay to ride while at the same time doing it properly,” she says.

Ms Oluoch adds that cycling should also be included in the array of competitive sport — such as athletics and swimming — for schools. “In fact, it would be great if children were allowed to cycle to school.”

In The Netherlands — often referred to as the cycling nation — children are taught how to maintain their bicycles, ride safely and abide by existing road cycling regulations during their early years at school.

“So by the time they reach teenage years, they are already experts. And this is what we should also aim at,” she says.

Mr Wahome has asked the government to install more parking facilities for bicycles.

There’s only one public spot in the city centre (near the General Post Office) which can accommodate only 10 bicycles. He urges other road users to avoid encroaching on bicycle lanes as it may lead to accidents.

Due to lack of awareness, pedestrians and motor cyclists always use those lanes and get into conflict with the riders. Ms Oluoch says bicycle lovers can keep to date with various riding excursions in the city such as cycling in Karura Forest among other destinations.

Information on cycling can be got through associations or dedicated websites run by campaigners.

Wheels of Africa annually links up with ‘Tour d’ Afrique’, a global expedition that cycles from Cairo to Cape Town. “As they pass through Kenya, we facilitate local cyclists to ride with this prestigious group from Thika to Karen and all the way to Namanga.”