Rwamagana and other towns in Rwanda should think again about their decision to ban boda boda bicycle taxis, and not just because of the effect on the livelihoods of their operators.

Boda bodas may indeed have been involved in 35% of all accidents last year, but perhaps that concerns vehicle drivers other than the boda bodas. Think about it and put blame where it is supposed to be.

Faced with mounting road deaths, congestion, pollution and an increasingly unfit and unhealthy population, many European cities are trying to reverse the "car is king" culture, and encourage more cycling for short distance commuting and leisure.

Rwanda should embrace cycling as a cheap, convenient, sustainable and healthy form of transport, particularly in urban areas.

As Rwanda becomes more prosperous, increasing numbers of people will want to own and drive cars and motorbikes. For the sake of our fragile planet, don’t ban bikes! Rwanda needs to lead the way in creating urban environments where it’s safe to cycle.

Nyarutarama

Kigali