The Future of Non-motorised Transport in Urban Africa

Non-motorised transport (NMT) modes are an important and integral component of urban transport across the world. Besides the provision of basic mobility, affordable transport and physical fitness, they serve to reduce negative environmental impacts of transportation. However, despite the NMT being a dominant mode of transport in most African rural and urban areas, it continues to be largely neglected in terms of relevant policies, planning and provision of infrastructures. Governments in African nations remain unsustainably focused on expanding the road networks and increasing motorization, with NMT as modes borne out of necessity for the poor. Non prioritization of NMT carries a huge road safety burden of fatalities and injuries to these vulnerable road users and an increasing car-culture. Thus, it is imperative that a future narrative is drawn for this key transport mode. This research seeks to examine the current challenges faced by NMT users in Sub-Saharan Africa and provide insightful policy ideas and infrastructure development strategies to make walking, cycling and other NMT transport modes more convenient, safe, pleasant and convincing in urban Africa. Through consultations with relevant stakeholders and experts, the book chapter recommends a pathway for the integration of NMT to urban mobility plans in African cities and towns.