Windhoek cyclists ask city for a helping hand

WINDHOEK cyclists handed a petition to City of Windhoek Mayor Matthew Shikongo yesterday for the City to improve conditions for cyclists by establishing paths, lanes and bicycle parking facilities, as well as promoting driver awareness.

It was signed by over 2 000 people from all walks of life, keen to see cycling given a chance to flourish. The signatories include some top names from government, including Attorney General, Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana, Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Minister of Works, Transport and Communication Joel Kaapanda, Minister of Presidential Affairs and Minister of Justice, Albert Kawana, Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Bernhardt Esau, and the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Loide Kasingo.Michael Linke, managing director of the Bicycling Empowerment Network Namibia, applauded the ministerial support, and believes that the petition shows Windhoek residents are ready to get on their bikes.NEveryone understands the issues.Cycling is environmentally friendly, it is economical and it is healthy.But people are scared to cycle because there are no safe facilities, and many drivers seem to treat cyclists as second class citizens.N Linke believes that the provision of cycling facilities is an important component of economic development.gCycling is a great choice for everyone, rich or poor.But for low income earners, it is something that can change their lives.A low wage earner can save thousands of dollars a year by cycling instead of taking taxis, h he said.He added that access to affordable transport means better access to education, healthcare and economic opportunities.gIt is a cross-cutting issue that affects many aspects of social and economic development, h said Linke.The City of Windhoek’s own 2004 transport study shows that more people would be willing to cycle if it were safe to do so, yet to date there has been no plan developed to deliver the facilities.The petitioners were hoping for the City of Windhoek to make a provision in their budget to cater for the needs of the cyclists.For more information, contact the managing director of Bicycling Empowerment Network Namibia Michael Linke on 081 295 6281.The signatories include some top names from government, including Attorney General, Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana, Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Minister of Works, Transport and Communication Joel Kaapanda, Minister of Presidential Affairs and Minister of Justice, Albert Kawana, Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Bernhardt Esau, and the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Loide Kasingo.Michael Linke, managing director of the Bicycling Empowerment Network Namibia, applauded the ministerial support, and believes that the petition shows Windhoek residents are ready to get on their bikes. NEveryone understands the issues.Cycling is environmentally friendly, it is economical and it is healthy.But people are scared to cycle because there are no safe facilities, and many drivers seem to treat cyclists as second class citizens.N Linke believes that the provision of cycling facilities is an important component of economic development.gCycling is a great choice for everyone, rich or poor.But for low income earners, it is something that can change their lives.A low wage earner can save thousands of dollars a year by cycling instead of taking taxis, h he said.He added that access to affordable transport means better access to education, healthcare and economic opportunities. gIt is a cross-cutting issue that affects many aspects of social and economic development, h said Linke.The City of Windhoek’s own 2004 transport study shows that more people would be willing to cycle if it were safe to do so, yet to date there has been no plan developed to deliver the facilities.The petitioners were hoping for the City of Windhoek to make a provision in their budget to cater for the needs of the cyclists.For more information, contact the managing director of Bicycling Empowerment Network Namibia Michael Linke on 081 295 6281.