Boatametse Modukanele is under no illusion about the challenges of a project he is spearheading.
He is project manager of the UNDP-backed non-motorized transport system, which seeks to encourage people to use alternative modes of transport such as cycling and walking.
He knows that there is a perception that cycling and walking are for the poor, while other people view cycling or walking in an urban environment as risky, especially given the current state of the roads, which were clearly not designed to accommodate vehicles side by side with bicycles. Vulnerable sections of the population, such as women and children, are always at the risk of being mugged.
Modukanele points out that the Gaborone City Council has bought into the non-motorized transport project because it has long-term potential to reduce harmful effects of global warming.
Senior Chemist at the Department of Waste Management and Pollution Control, Kabelo Mogami, identifies the main indicators of air pollution in the city as sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide, a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming.
?For a typical day, the average nitrogen oxide concentration levels increase during the early morning rush hour and again in the evening,? Mogami tells FPN. ?It is, therefore, appropriate to take steps to arrest the rate of increase of this pollutant before it becomes uncontrollable.?
Modukanele explains that the new approach will serve as a complementary and generic solution to the existing motorized transport system and its ills. He says the idea to incorporate non-motorized transport facilities in Gaborone has been around for some years.
?A while ago, a study was conducted to find out what the population would like introduced in relation to the country?s transport system, and the results indicated that a number of them wanted a system of non-motorized transport to be put in place,? Modukanele says.
A commuter survey also indicated that 48. 9 percent of commuters wished to shift some of their motorized trips to non-motorized transport, while 13.3 percent who already used some form of non-motorized mechanism wanted to continue using the mode. The survey stated that commuters cited lack of infrastructure as the largest barrier to cycling in Gaborone.
The project will build on the current popularity of walking (30 percent of trips at peak times are by walking) in the city, but will seek to significantly stimulate an interest in cycling, which currently accounts for 1 percent of trips at peak times.
Senior Traffic Engineer at the Gaborone City Council, Khumo Manyathelo, emphasises that a project to encourage non-motorized transport in Botswana is long overdue.
?Traffic planning is imbalanced when non-motorized transport system in not incorporated. Traffic is made up of vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians,? he says.
The project is currently going through the initial stages. The UNDP and government have co-funded a feasibility study to determine the demand for non-motorized transport among potential users.
?The money from the UNDP will be used mainly for maintenance of roads, public awareness campaigns and marketing strategies while the money from the government will be used mainly for construction of pedestrian and cycling pathways and infrastructure,? Modukanele says.
He indicates that the pathways are essential, as they will inspire motorists to develop a positive attitude towards people using them.
?We plan to ensure convenient and comfortable infrastructure that will habitually provoke the public to shift to non-motorized transport,? he says.
Modukanele notes that the infrastructure will connect residential areas to socio-economic hubs of Gaborone such as schools, the university, shopping malls, commercial business district, employment centres and inter-modal facilities such as the bus rank and rail station.
?We want to create a network of pedestrian and cycling pathways to cater for everyone and at the same time improve the lives of the impoverished and mobility challenged Batswana,? he declares.
The project will be implemented first in Gaborone because of the huge number of vehicles in the city. If it is successfully implemented, it will be replicated in other towns.
Modukanele explains that as well as curbing the green house gas emissions, the project also aims to reduce traffic congestion, and noise levels associated with motorized vehicles.
?There is a lot of traffic congestion on Gaborone?s roads and the transport sector contributes significantly to hazardous fumes which can cause serious health problems such as asthma, bronchitis and pneumonia,? Modukanele says.
Manyathelo points out that the influx of second hand imported vehicles has contributed to the rising air pollution that becomes especially unbearable during rush hours. Mogami notes that the increase in the level of nitrogen oxide in Gaborone is mainly a result of motor vehicle exhaust emissions, particularly in areas with high traffic densities and congestion such as those around the Main Mall (city centre) and the bus rank.
Studies indicate that most roads in Gaborone experience saturation of more than 90 percent. It is anticipated that a reduction in traffic congestion would lead to reduction of accidents and air pollution.
Modukanele says the increasing atmospheric pollution from motorized transport emissions underscores the need for more appropriate transport systems to address the issue.
?It?s necessary and appropriate that we promote the significant use of substantially cheaper and safer non-motorized modes of transport, particularly walking and cycling. We want people to shift from motorized transport to non-motorized transport modes, especially for relatively short distances that can be covered by foot or bicycle. This way, people would also be able to save a lot of money,? Modukanele says.
The project?s sponsors believe it will not be a hard sell given that most people in Botswana fall within low and medium income groups, and do not own vehicles but largely depend on public transport.
?Cycling and walking are relatively cheaper and safer. Where possible, people should be encouraged to use them,? says Modukanele. ?Because of the non-polluting nature of non-motorized transport, a lot of Batswana will benefit from this system through a healthy environment and savings in transport costs.?
He has noted the perception among many motorists that they have more rights to the roads than pedestrians and cyclists.
?Presently, it is very dangerous to cycle next to vehicles because a number of motorists feel they have more right to the road than other road users. They see pedestrians and cyclists as intruders,? he says.
Manyathelo promises that the project will provide facilities with increased convenience, comfort and safety.
These will limit direct contact or conflict between cyclists and motorists.
?The pathways will be separate from the road to increase the safety of the users and the already existing narrow pedestrian tracks will be upgraded,? he says.He further reveals that the Road Traffic Act is undergoing a review to look into areas that might inhibit proper road use by non-motorized transport users.
?Incorporating non-motorized transport is not about eradicating the use of vehicles but sharing modes of transport. The system only encourages people to walk or cycle where it is possible to do so,? Manyathelo answers when asked if he would be cycling or walking to work. (FPN)
