An ongoing debate on the possibility of Nairobi adopting cycling as the major transport system for the residents has seen Kenyans raise concerns over the risk posed by public service vehicles.
Although Kenyans have supported the idea proposed by various leaders including Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris who recently cycled to parliament, their main concern remains the reckless driving by matatu drivers.
Many have expressed that cycling in the city would equate to putting one's life on the line as the rogue matatu drivers make the roads dangerous.
[caption caption="Nairobi Woman Rep Esther Passaris (C) cycling to parliament"]
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The concern was largely expressed despite the proposal encompassing that cycling lanes would be constructed to support the transport in and out of the city.
Would love to cycle to work, problem is dangerous vehicles. Safe cycle lanes would help massively, reduce traffic, pollution, travel costs etc.
— Mital (@Mital_KE) July 22, 2018
Very true, I ride but not to town. The Nairobi matatus might send me to my maker earlier than planned. Niko na budget till nifikishe at least 80.......lol
— Mr. White (@ElvisKerabuAmen) July 23, 2018
That's my main reason as well. The rogue matatu drivers who have little regard to other road users.
— Lex (@Alex_Ndalila) July 23, 2018
Nairobi is never safe for anything
— (@Kips_Manu) July 23, 2018
I cycle to work at least 3 days a week. From Kinoo to Kileleshwa. Definitely safe cycling lanes are needed. And I am part of a growing community. But keep in mind many low income Nairobians have been doing this for many years before it became vogue.
— Eric Mwangi Kariuki (@Islewise) July 23, 2018
I would prefer to use as a scooter because of the range I need to cover
— iMikePro (@iMikePro) July 22, 2018
No. Because boda bodas would invade bicycle lanes and wreak havoc. Boda bodas don't respect pedestrian sidewalks either. The police seem to be afraid of them!
— Guudz (@BrutusRising) July 23, 2018
Others, however, expressed that their concern would be the lack of supporting facilities at the work premises including parking and bathrooms.
Another group felt that the negative perception from the masses would make it hard to adapt to the new system by looking down upon cycling.
we would just steal em and sell em
— boutros ghali (@siuye_) July 23, 2018
No because in our warped thinking, cycling is for the struggling class.
— Vasco Da Gama (@Quiet_Watch) July 23, 2018
Probably would. Issue would be security once you've parked that bike.
— DG (@dangakuo) July 23, 2018
Been thinking about it. Though am wary of getting to work sweaty, no bathroom etc
— Philip Malala (@malalaphilip) July 23, 2018
How will we tackle bicycle traffic jams. Coz that will be there, for sure. Nairobi has got like 3million people roaming per day. If 1% of these ride bicycles, there’d still be traffic
— Ryan Bii (@ryanbiiofficial) July 23, 2018
And what of the sweat? Unless the offices provide baths
— Mr. White (@ElvisKerabuAmen) July 23, 2018
Lol. Sweating is minimal.
— Lex (@Alex_Ndalila) July 23, 2018
Kenyans have in the past suggested that the riparian zone along Nairobi River should be rehabilitated into cycling lanes as part of the Nairobi Regeneration Project.
Traffic snarl up has been a major problem in the city especially during rush hours despite the government embarking on various decongestion programs including the envisioned Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system.
