Pan Africa Bicycle Information Network (PABIN)
Dakar Catches Car-Free Bug
Dakar, Senegal, which has organized two car-free events in recent months, is planning to host a third in April. The city celebrated its first Car Free Day on December 19, allowing 600 people to enjoy the waterfront drive Corniche Ouest without car traffic.
“We're committed to making Dakar a safe and pleasant place for people to enjoy their city with events like the Car-Free Day,” said Hon. Moussa Sy, Deputy Mayor of Dakar, who participated in the event.
“For this day, families, friends and communities could gather together without the sights, smells and dangers of car traffic,” said Colonel Mbareck Diop, Senegal ITDP Country Director.
Hundreds of pedestrians walked a 10 kilometer route starting and ending at the Porte du Millennaire, while cyclists toured up and down the Corniche Ouest, free of any traffic. The city supplied police and medical support for the participants.
The event was a joint effort between the city and ITDP. It was also sponsored
by KIRENE, who distributed water to participants, NESTLE, who gave
out free samples and T-Shirts, and SOCOCIM (a local cement distributor),
who provided T-shirts
and water.
A second event, held in March, was organized by the Ministry of Sport and the Senegalese Federation of Cycling in honor of the International Year of Sport and Physical Education. Cyclists, pedestrians and members of “Handsport,” which works with the physically disabled, traveled a 30 km route, departing from the Corniche Ouest in front of the University and ending at the Porte du Millénaire.
From ITDP's Sustainable Transport E-Update No. 16
April 2005
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