Analyzing the potential of Cycling in the CBD of Kampala City.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyse the potential of cycling in the Central Business District (CBD) of Kampala City. This research identified the factors affecting cycling, examined the city dweller’s perceptions on cycling, and evaluated cycling possibilities, making recommendations of approaches and designs to promote cycling in Kampala CBD. There is limited research on cycling, and hence little is known about cycling and its potential to ease movement. The research used both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. The tools for data collection included; observation, questionnaires, interview schedule, photography, mapping, sketching and secondary data from libraries and the internet. The tools for data analysis were descriptive statistics presented in the form of tables, percentages, graphs and charts, content analysis of the questions administered with reference to the research objectives. The research used softwares of Epidata and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) to carry out data analytical processing. The analysis of all the raw data collected yielded the realities about cycling in Kampala CBD. The study found that the lack of cycling infrastructure, the busy state of roads and poor road safety in Kampala Central Business District (CBD) are the major factors affecting cycling; the use of the bicycle. The Perception of city dwellers on cycling is low because they stated that, they have poor physical health, other modes of transport are faster and more comfortable, and the use of the bicycle is not safe. Furthermore, some said, they lack the finance to even buy bicycles and that, the society has a negative cultural attitude that women are not supposed to cycle. The use of the bicycle in the CBD of Kampala is possible because the study found out that, there is a presence of bicycle services such as bicycle retail and repair shops. In addition, the city dwellers stated that, if safe cycling infrastructure is provided, new taxation on transportation is introduced, and funds allocated to the transport sector are redistributed to support cycling, the use of the bicycle for mobility would be very possible. To encourage cycling; the use of the bicycle, this research recommended the construction and installation of a robust cycling infrastructure, introduction of cycling education, and establishing an inclusive cycling funding system. The Promotion of cycling in Kampala City CBD will reap the benefits of health, transportation, economics, quality of life and environment. There must be a logical integration of cycling in the transportation sector to enhance sustainable movement in the CBD.