TTDC 2017 was co-organized by the World Bank and EMBARQ, the sustainable mobility initiative of the WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities, the event served to advance sustainable urban mobility in light of global agenda-setting opportunities and emerging transport innovations. At TTDC 2017, my speech was about Vision Zero and the need to protect cyclists and Pedestrians as majority road users, worldwide. Also, regarding the importance of the World Cycling Alliance in pushing the cycling agenda at a global level.

Bicycle transport is not so popular because of several reasons that re-enforce each other. One of the most visible ones is the safety concern. This is mainly so because there are no segregated lanes for the cyclists as well as caution by the motorists. It is also the perception of it being a vulnerable mode, simply on two wheels, so it is very unsafe.

The speech was about how Kampala road users share their road space no matter their inadequate state. The speech was meant to inspire the rest of the world to learn a thin g from Kampala; particularly, cities with adequate infrastructure but with less cycling.

Despite numerous efforts by most governments and cities in Africa, urban mobility remains a challenge to all; authorities, people and even development partners. Mobility demands and traffic hostility keep increasing and so has the creativity to go about this amongst the urban dwellers. This creativity has majorly set in from the demand side rather than the supply side. Governments seem unable to move at the pace of creativity in cities; apparently, this creativity is perceived as informality. This was the main message in the speech.

Contextualizing & Communicating the bigger picture of sustainable mobility was the main component of the speech. The local context in sustainable mobility planning as well as working towards an African continent benchmark was the heart of the presentation, for an Eco mobility approach.

Contextualizing & Communicating the bigger picture of sustainable mobility was the main component of the speech. The local context in sustainable mobility planning as well as working towards an African continent benchmark was the heart of the presentation, for an Eco mobility approach.

• UNEP: The Africa Sustainable Transport Forum (ASTF), 1st Ministerial and Experts AT UN Headquarters, Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya-2014, http://www.unep.org/Transport/astf/
• VELO-CITY Vienna, 2013,?http://velo-city2013.com/wp-content/uploads/Velo-city-2013_Conference-Magazine_THE-SOUND-OF-CYCLING_ENG_web.pdf
• FIA Mobility Conference in The Hague, Netherlands, http://www.fia.com/news/cycling-through-130-years-history
• Velo-city Conference, Nantes, France, 2015,?http://pe.pku.edu.cn/document/20150715173911455451.pdf
• Future Cities Forum, Munyonyo, Kampala, Uganda, 2015

Even the longest journey begins with a single step. The fear to take up new concepts is understandable and that is why it is important to try out pilots before investing massively in them. I proposed a pilot concept for inclusive mobility down town Kampala, and KCCA has adopted it and is yet to have it implemented.

This can be rolled out in the whole of Uganda, if the government prioritizes it. It will improve the quality of public space in the busiest areas, hence improving business performance. It is also in line with Vision 2040, regarding improved non-motorized transport.

As a lecturer at Makerere University, a mother and an urban planner, I regard myself as a role model. I ride my bicycle once in a while, as I aim to individually change the negative image which has led to it being neglected. After all the prime minister of The Netherlands rides to work. Leaders are the best role models society can have.