Rwanda Car Free Day

Rwanda Car Free Day is a Rwanda country initiative towards towards Sustainable Development with non communicable diseases and the effect caused by climate change. During Car Free Day in Kigali, significant thoroughfares are closed off to vehicles, allowing individuals of various ages to take to the streets and engage in physical activities such as walking, running, cycling, and even skating, all with the aim of promoting a healthier lifestyle.

In recent years, there has been a growing concern about the impact of transport on the environment, particularly in cities. As urbanization accelerates, so does the number of cars on the roads, leading to air pollution, traffic congestion, and increased greenhouse gas emissions. In response to this, many cities around the world have implemented various measures to promote sustainable transportation, one of which is Car free Day. In Rwanda, Car free Day has been gaining popularity as an initiative towards sustainable development

Description

Rwanda Car free Day is a monthly event where individuals are encouraged to use alternative modes of transportation, such as cycling, walking, or using public transportation, rather than driving their own vehicles. This event aims to reduce carbon emissions, promote sustainable transportation, and raise awareness about the benefits of car-free living. The first Car Free Day was observed in Reykjavik, Iceland, in 1996, and since then, it has spread to over 1,500 cities in more than 40 countries. In Rwanda, Car free Day was launched in 2016 as an initiative of the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Infrastructure, and the Kigali city Council The event takes place every first Sunday of the month in the city of Kigali, where selected streets are closed to vehicular traffic, allowing people to use the streets for walking, jogging, cycling, and other non-motorized activities. The event also includes various activities, such as dance and fitness sessions, exhibitions, and performances, promoting healthy lifestyles and community engagement.

Impact and achievement

Car free Day in Rwanda has been successful in promoting sustainable transportation and raising awareness about the importance of reducing carbon emissions. The event has also helped to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution in the city of Kigali. The Rwanda Green Fund, which supports environmental initiatives in the country, has been a major sponsor of Car free Day, demonstrating the government's commitment to sustainable development.

Apart from the environmental benefits, Car free Day has also had social and economic impacts in Rwanda. The event provides an opportunity for people to interact with each other and participate in community activities, promoting social cohesion and integration. It also creates a platform for local businesses to showcase their products and services, boosting the local economy

Kigali Car Free day

The city of Kigali in Rwanda implements a car-free day twice a month, on the first and third Sunday, where cars and motorbikes are banned in many parts of the city. This allows residents to cycle, walk, and jog freely on the roads. During this time, roads heading towards designated assembly points for the activity are closed, while the rest of the roads remain open for motorists to undertake their usual activities. The car-free day lasts from 7 am to 11 am and attracts thousands of residents who participate in physical activities and stretching led by a gymnastic specialist. Children can also participate in a separate area with a special program of physical activities.[1]

To support the car-free day program, the Ministry of Health and the NCD Division of the Rwanda Biomedical Center, along with several local health organizations, provide free screening for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) under the coordination and training of the Rwanda NCD Alliance (RNCDA). Medical doctors, nurses, laboratory technicians, and students in various health professions from local universities volunteer to provide individual education and counseling on screening results, distribute education brochures, and broadcast key messages through sound systems to participants. The screening procedures include measuring blood pressure, body mass index, waist circumference, random capillary blood sugar, and intraocular pressure for glaucoma screening. Those identified with abnormal screening findings are advised to seek further medical attention in health facilities in Kigali through the usual referral pathways.

Since its launch, the Kigali Car Free Day program has gained tremendous popularity and strong support from the Rwandan government. The program is currently held twice a month in Kigali and is being extended to two other cities in Rwanda, Huye in the South, and Musanze in the North. The program is advertised through automated short text messages to mobile phones and television and radio announcements. The program not only promotes physical activity but also encourages early detection and management of NCDs.

There are challenges to the implementation of Car Free Day in Rwanda, such as the lack of alternative transportation options and the limited infrastructure for non-motorized activities. The government has been working towards addressing these challenges by promoting the use of public transportation, constructing bicycle lanes and pedestrian walkways, and encouraging the private sector to invest in sustainable transportation

References

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