By Adrian Raphael Njau
Arusha, like many cities in developing countries grapples with limited urban transport facilities. In our country, city planners and even engineers who design roads see cars as more important. However, the current global trend presents a different school of thought.
A safer and sustainable transportation infrastructure, calls for more consideration for pedestrian space and less dependence on cars. It is the only way to decongest urban streets and therefore less air pollution from carbon emissions.
It requires no research to appreciate the fact that most victims of road accidents, including fatal ones are pedestrians, motorcyclists (boda-boda riders) and cyclists. The key reasons are poor road designs, construction and maintenance. In Arusha, most roads and streets do not have sidewalks for pedestrians. It looks like roads are built only for motorists with no or little consideration of pedestrians, who include women, children and the elderly.
Many cities in the world currently provide more street and road space for pedestrians and cyclists as key components for safety and the comfort of all users. Some of the benefits include: improving safety for pedestrians, riders and the drivers themselves. Other benefits include improvement of public health by promoting physical exercise and enhancing economic activities, especially in the commercial areas and shopping centres for daily needs.
The COVID-19 was a kind of reminder as to why we need more street and road space not only as physical distance but also as a place of exercising. During that period, we witnessed a good number of Arusha residents using road space along the East African Bypass for walking, jogging and other exercises. COVID-19 made roads and streets preferred areas for exercise instead of gyms, which were closed.
To create more pedestrian-friendly streets and roads, which would contribute to a safer, cleaner and more productive city, Arusha City fathers should at least implement the following actions:
(i) Provide accessible and convenient sidewalks
(ii) Transform inactive spaces into pedestrian plazas
(iii) Create safe zones for children
(iv) Pedestrianize streets during peak hours
(v) Initiate car-free days or hours to promote social inclusion and local commerce
Let’s make Arusha city, which is the headquarters of East African Community, a people’s city by comfortably accommodating its pedestrians. After all, we have more pedestrians than motorists on our streets.
