Johannesburg — June 2, 2026 — Across Africa, bicycles are finally getting lanes of their own. Cities from Johannesburg to Addis Ababa are investing in cycling infrastructure to ease traffic congestion, reduce pollution, and make notoriously dangerous roads safer.
In April, transport and energy ministers endorsed the Pan‑African Action Plan for Active Mobility, a continent‑wide blueprint co‑led by UNEP, UN‑Habitat, and the World Health Organization. The plan prioritizes pedestrians and cyclists, aiming to transform urban mobility through safety, accessibility, and investment.
Johannesburg now boasts protected bike lanes and cyclist‑friendly intersections, making commuting smoother for urban planner Phano Liphoto, who traded his car for a bicycle. In Addis Ababa, new cycle paths have made biking accessible to families and commuters alike, especially amid fuel shortages linked to the Middle East conflict. Riders like Henok Adane say cycling has cut commuting costs while improving health and energy levels.
Kenya is also moving forward with a national active mobility policy, supported by UNEP and UN‑Habitat. In Mombasa, cycling advocate John Kimani has reduced his commute time dramatically, while in Nairobi, lawyer Wendy Sigey says biking has boosted her mental health and saved money despite the lack of lanes.
Other countries, including Ghana, Malawi, and Morocco, are embedding cycling into national transport strategies. Morocco recently hosted a workshop to plan interventions across multiple cities, while a French‑language edition of the Pan‑African Action Plan will launch this month.
With transport responsible for over 30% of Africa’s CO₂ emissions, cycling offers a sustainable alternative that strengthens resilience, reduces dependence on fossil fuels, and supports healthier lifestyles. As UNEP’s Rob de Jong noted, “The question is no longer whether African cities should invest in cycling and walking — it is how fast they can.”
