Cyclists Call for Safe Infrastructure in Mombasa County

By Mbungu Harrison

Email, thecoastnespaper@gmail.com

Cyclists and road safety advocates have called for the construction of cycling infrastructure in Mombasa to promote safe, sustainable, and healthy transport.

This comes in wake of the county seeking to embrace non-motorised mobility in the busy city roads to reduce congestion and curb air pollution through carbon emissions.

Speaking during the commemoration of world bicycle day, Mombasa deputy governor Francis Thoya said cycling was steadily becoming a lifestyle among residents and forms part of the county’s broader strategy to promote green transport.

“We are already putting up infrastructure to inculcate a cycling culture in Mombasa and make cycling a preferred mode of transport, just like in major cities around the world,” he said.

The DG said the county government was encouraging residents to embrace environmentally friendly transport alternatives to help combat climate change and reduce pollution.

“We want our people to go green. Cycling is one way of addressing climate change by reducing carbon emissions.”

He noted that Mombasa despite being the smallest county in Kenya was rapidly urbanising and faces growing pressure on its limited road space.

“It may not be possible to have cycling lanes everywhere because of our limited space, but we want to start the conversation and gradually help our people adapt to this mode of transport.”

The DG cited traffic congestion as one of the city’s biggest challenges, attributing it to the increasing number of private vehicles on the roads.

“Everyone wants to own a car, but the time has come for us to rethink how we move around the city. Through partnerships, we have started initiatives aimed at promoting cycling culture. Mombasa has already established a cycling lane along Nyali Links Road.”

He urged road agencies to incorporate cycling lanes in future road projects, warning that vehicle congestion could soon become unmanageable if alternative transport options are not prioritised.

The call was made on Saturday, June 6, 2026 during celebrations to mark World Bicycle Day in Nyali where more than 200 cyclists of different ages participated in an 8-kilometre ride.

Regional director for the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP), Claire Birungi, called for the expansion of existing road infrastructure network to accommodate cyclists.

“Cycling keeps people healthy, improves fitness, and significantly reduces carbon emissions. We need infrastructure that supports and encourages more people to cycle safely,” she said.

Global Designing Cities Initiative Programme manager Regatu Solomon also stressed the need for safer cycling infrastructure across the county.

“We advocate for safe cycling infrastructure. Mombasa is making progress, but more needs to be done,” she said.

She noted that her organisation was working with the county government to improve infrastructure for cyclists and other vulnerable road users.

“Cycling is important, but there must be safe infrastructure for everyone, including children. This will improve mobility and contribute to a healthier community.”

She added that engineers and urban planners should prioritise the design of safer roads that cater to cyclists as part of efforts to create more inclusive cities.

The event started and ended at Sote Hub in Nyali after participants completed the 8-kilometre route.

Managing director of eBee Africa, Maarten Fonteija, welcomed the introduction of cycling lanes, saying they promote healthier lifestyles and offer a practical solution to traffic congestion.

“I use my bicycle to attend meetings almost every day. Cycling is efficient, healthy, and can greatly help decongest Mombasa,” he said.

Participant Charles Mghenyi challenged authorities to invest more in non-motorised transport infrastructure to ensure the safety of cyclists and ease traffic congestion.

“Most roads do not have designated lanes for cyclists. If we want to build a cycling community, the government must put the necessary infrastructure in place,” he said.

As Mombasa continues to grapple with congestion and rapid urban growth, stakeholders say investment in cycling infrastructure would be key to creating a greener, healthier, and more efficient transport system.