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Flora Fadzai Sibanda, Chronicle Reporter

BULAWAYO City Council (BCC) yesterday launched the Smart Mobility Initiative which seeks to encourage residents to embrace cycling as a lifestyle to promote healthy living while also decongesting the city and reducing carbon emissions in line with the smart city concept.

The initiative was launched under the theme “Asitshoveni” meaning “Let’s cycle.”

According to council, cycling is in line with its vision of becoming a transformative and smart city by 2024 and the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS 1).

Cyclists who showcased their cycling skills started at Derby Hotel in Bellevue suburb and ended at City Hall.

A Chronicle crew caught up with the cyclists at City Hall.

In an interview, one of the cyclists, a tourist from Poland who identified herself only as Ms Marie said she heard about the initiative to encourage a lot of people to cycle in Bulawayo and decided to join other cyclists.

“I am really happy a lot of people decided to show up here. Cycling is very good for one’s health and it also promotes a clean environment. As a cyclist I got to appreciate the beauty of the jacarandas and the soothing sun because I was on a cycle. Had I been in a car I am sure I would have not appreciated all of this,” she said.

A 12-year-old cyclist, Sipho Sibanda, said he enjoys cycling because he gets to go anywhere without spending money.

“I started cycling when I was three years old. I am now an expert in cycling and I also enjoy doing it. Cycling is very easy once you get the hang of it. I want to be a professional cyclist one day,” he said.

Clr Shadreck Sibanda of Ward 7 told Chronicle that he was happy the city has taken a step closer to practising the old culture of using bicycles.

He said this will not only benefit people’s health but will also improve their economic status.

“People are now suffering from a lot of diseases like high blood pressure and diabetes. By cycling they will get a chance to exercise and keep fit. Also, this will keep our city clean. It will also decongest our roads, therefore making them safer,” said Cllr Sibanda.

In his speech, the acting mayor of Bulawayo, Clr Mlandu Ncube urged residents to embrace cycling.

“This initiative will promote our economy. It will also improve the quality of people’s lives in this town. It will go as far as ending stereotypes which have made people believe that cars are important,” he said.

The deputy mayor said the cycling initiative is expected to decongest the town.

“Many cities and countries in the world prefer cycling because it offers better services for accessibility and mobility. Mobility is key to getting a good status for a city. We have a lot of benefits of cycling from those countries,” he said.

Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Judith Ncube said the initiative will go a long way in reducing harmful gases that are emitted into the atmosphere.

“Bicycles are going to be affordable for everyone. They will help in ensuring that everyone gets transport and is not stressed with looking for money to get transport,” said the Minister.

She said the task ahead, of making Bulawayo a clean city, is enormous as it needs everyone to be hands-on in cleaning Bulawayo. – @flora_sibanda