The Christmas Critical Mass organized by Coop-Ug in Jinja City was attended by people of various age groups, who came together to close the year by advocating for non-motorized transport.
A 10km bike ride through different streets of Jinja City marked the 4th and final event of its kind organized by Coop-Ug in 2024. “The fourth edition of Critical Mass was dedicated to celebrating people who choose to use non-motorized transport in their daily activities to help maintain a favorable climate,” said Mr. Kabaale Edgar, Operations Manager at Coop-Ug.
This event also provided an opportunity for environmentalists to send a message to leaders in Jinja City and Uganda at large, urging them to always consider cyclists and other non-motorized transport users when planning for the city and the country. This includes the implementation of cycling lanes and pavements to reduce the chances of accidents involving non-motorized transport users.
Through cycling, various technical personnel and leaders from Jinja City have had the opportunity to visit the Netherlands and learn how the country has successfully promoted non-motorized transport. This includes government initiatives such as the provision of cycling lanes, pavements, bike parks with adequate security, and more. Mr. Edgar added that these practices are being observed and adopted by planners in Uganda.
Many engineers from the Netherlands Embassy have also provided technical knowledge to Jinja City planners, offering guidance on how the city can be effectively planned to accommodate non-motorized transport, such as bikes. These ideas are being embraced by planners across Uganda.
Mr. Mike Barasa, the Scouts Commissioner of Greater Jinja, shared that the Scout community has been very active in embracing the Critical Mass events organized by Coop-Ug every three months. Since a significant percentage of Jinja Scouts are youths, the event teaches them that non-motorized transport is one of the best ways to combat greenhouse gases caused by carbon emissions.
He also called on the government and city planners to always consider lanes for non-motorized transport in road planning. Many students and other non-motorized transport users face difficulties reaching their destinations safely, a challenge that could be addressed if the government recognizes and plans for these transport users. Mr. Barasa added that social spaces such as supermarkets, malls, bars, markets, and hotels should also contribute by providing security for non-motorized transport and sufficient parking space. This would help alleviate the fears people have about cycling to these places due to lack of security and parking space.
Eng. Fred Okuku, who participated in the Critical Mass, thanked Coop-Ug for its ongoing contributions to the community through events like Critical Mass, which help create social capital and provide opportunities, such as jobs, for participants from diverse backgrounds.
“The cycling activity is healthy for the body as it engages all parts of the body, helping to reduce fat, lower blood pressure, and prevent other diseases,” Eng. Okuku added.
Cycling, along with other initiatives like plastic recycling and reforestation, has contributed significantly to reducing carbon emissions in the atmosphere, thus helping to mitigate the greenhouse effect, Eng. Okuku explained.
Mr. Kyeyama Julius from the Busoga Cycling Club urged leaders from Busoga to support cyclists by advocating for funding from donors and investors, just as is done in other countries. He emphasized that cycling is not only a sport that brings people together, but also an employment opportunity, providing participants with the chance to earn a living.
