ON THE NATIONAL NON MOTORISED TRANSPORT (NMT) POLICY IMPLEMENTATION AND CAR FREE DAY PLANNING.

Transcription

1 A WORKSHOP REPORT ON THE NATIONAL NON MOTORISED TRANSPORT (NMT) POLICY IMPLEMENTATION AND CAR FREE DAY PLANNING. ORGANIZED BY FABIO IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE MINISTRY OF WORKS AND TRANSPORT AT HOTEL TRIANGLE KAMPALA 18 th Oct.2012 With Financial Support from UNEP- Share the Road Campaign.

2 A REPORT ON THE WORKSHOP OF OPERATIONALIZING NMT POLICY AND CAR FREE DAY 1.0 Introduction The one day workshop organized by First African Bicycle Information Organization (FABIO) in close partnership with the Ministry of Works and Transport took place on the 18 th of October 2012 at Hotel Triangle Kampala and it involved various stakeholders working on issues of transport planning, Advocacy and policy development, coming together to discuss the National Non Motorized Transport policy and also come with plans to organize the car free day This workshop was made possible with financial support from United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) under the Share the Road Campaign Initiative and it was attended by the different stake holders from the Ministry of Works and Transport, KCCA, Civil Society Organizations, Private Sector like United Regional Engineers and the Driving Schools Association representatives and United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) representatives among others. For a long time Uganda has not had a comprehensive transport policy which take care of the different needs of the people. The National Transport Master plan and plan for the Greater Kampala Metropolitan which is the guiding document for transport in the country has had a lot of deficiency in view of None Motorized Transport NMT. In 2001 FABIO organized a Pan African Bicycle Conference (PABIC) which worked as a spring board for NMT policy campaign increasing momentum year by year until 2011 when the ministry accepted to develop an NMT policy in to cater for the integration of NMT issues in the Transport related policies which were lacking. With support from UNEP- Nairobi it was possible to secure a consultant Paul Starkey to champion the process under the Ministry of Works and Transport with FABIO as the facilitating partner. A policy is now in place awaiting to be officially launched. However, having a policy is one thing and realizing changes as a result of its impact is also some thing different hence the need to have policy implementation plans and guidelines. On the other hand Car Free Day 2012 has been lined up as a policy popularization strategy since the two could promote each other in one way or the other. This workshop therefore was to enable 1

3 the different stakeholders plan on how the Car Free day 2012 will be implemented with all stake holders on board. Car free day is internationally recognized and dedicated day of September 22 nd every year where the city streets or part of it is given back to the people to enjoy. For some cities because of the benefits it brings a long, adopted it as a good practice and it is held every months as a car free Sunday. It is a strategy towards building a good city that can be enjoyed by every body without any Motor vehicle on the roads gazette in this area. This activity in Uganda was initiated 2011 and it is planed to build on the experiences of last year. This workshop therefore was also aimed at enabling the different stakeholders to participate in the planning for the event. The workshop was moderated by Mr. Paul Kwamusi a road safety consultant and a Board Member of FABIO. Although was planned to start at 8:30 as indicated on the program, it was officially opened at 9:30 by the Assistant Commissioner of the Ministry of Works and Transport on behalf of the Minister of Works and Transport. 2.0 Aims of the workshop By Mr. Kayemba Patrick - FABIO The work shop aimed at the following: Furthering the NMT policy which was recently approved by the Ministry of Works and Transport Developing an implementation plan of the policy Planning for the Car Free Day 2012 and the policy launch 3.0 Official Opening by the Guest of Honor He welcomed participants and gave a brief back ground of the policy process which started in 2011 and it was approved on the 4 th October, He said this was an important milestone in enhancing sustainable transport in this country. He elaborated on the objectives of the policy Objectives of the NMT policy The NMT policy intends to achieve the following: Increase the recognition of walking and cycling in transport, planning, design and infrastructure provision. He mentioned examples of places like London with a number of 2

4 best practices in as far as NMT provisions are concerned like provisions for bicycle parking facilities, lanes, walk ways and open space within the city. Provision of safe infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists. Resources for walking and cycling in being mainstreamed by the different departments of government during financial planning. To raise the profile of NMT as part of the sustainable means of transport. The development and adoption by all agencies of universal design standards that provide for access to all sectors of the community, and Improvement in regulation and enforcement to enhance safety for pedestrians and cyclists. He emphasized the need for planning for implementation such that impact of the policy can be can be realized in the short, medium and long term. He wished members fruitful deliberations and officially declared the workshop open. 4.0 Presentations by Ms. Liana Vetch of UNEP Share the Road Initiative She expressed delight for having been invited to be part of this historical process of the NMT policy development, she conveyed regards from Jane Akumu who could not make it due to some other commitments even when she would have loved to be physically part of this process too. She then focused her presentation on the Share the Road which is investing in walking and cycling. Three pillars of the Share the Road programme were mentioned and these included; a. Accessibility. The ability of Non Motorised Transport (NMT) users to access vital services such as; emergency services; places of work; and schools, in an affordable manner. Road Safety. Improved safety is a primary objective of investing in NMT infrastructure, and consequently the Share the Road programme. Statistics show that 1.3 million people die of road accidents annually. Environment. In order to illustrate the environmental aspect of the programme, the presenter pointed out road transport as accounting 19% of the global CO2 emissions. b. In addition, for the successful achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), emphasis needs to be placed on sustainable transport, including NMT options. 3

5 The presenter highlighted some of the achievements obtained by UNEP at national levels and some of these were: UGANDA; Joint stakeholders meeting with the Ministry of Works and Transport held in July 2011 to introduce fundamental NMT background; and support to NMT Policy Development. KENYA; Support to the Kenyan Urban Road Authority (KURA) NMT policy; and support to the KURA demonstration programme UN Avenue. RWANDA AND BURUNDI; Initial National workshops with aims of including NMT infrastructure were held. 4.1 Normative work The presenter pointed out the normative work done, including design guidelines, and invited the Ministry of Works and Transport to review the document with a view to their own design guideline requirement, and to present feedback to UNEP. What next? i. More lesson learning and packaging of best practice ii. Training module-for sustainable capacity iii. Awareness raising and behavior change (Regional Civil Society Network) iv. Regional workshop (2013) v. Other regions outside East Africa. vi. Lesson learning from other regions i.e. Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) In her concluding remarks, she cited the issue of consistent need to engage key stakeholders throughout the NMT infrastructure inclusion/integration processes. 4

6 5.0 Presentation on the National NMT Policy 2012, by Dr. Sion, Policy Adviser-Ministry of Works and Transport The presentation was summarized on three issues: 5.1 Universal Design Issues like the Hierarchy of presumed rights on road use where brought out, where by the motorists feel that they have more rights towards road use compared to the cyclists and these too presume they have more rights than the pedestrians. With this therefore in mind, he viewed at the Universal design with NMT inclusive to encompass all the road users. 5.2 Safety The emphasis was on the government need to improve and promote road maintenance free from man holes to prevent accidents to both the NMT users and the motorists. He too viewed cycling as a healthy exercise that should be encouraged so as to over come some of these diseases that come up due to limited exercise of the body. 5.3 Gender NMT was viewed as an empowering aspect to women since they can be able to access more information to development through the use of bicycles; and a case study of the highest percentage of bicycles being owned by men was cited; therefore, the need of NMT awareness campaign to encourage gender equity and empowerment. He noted that copies of the policy are available for reference during the discussions and on the other hand since many of us have been part of this process will also guide the group discussions. 6.0 Car Free Day Presentation by FABIO This was done by the Executive Director of FABIO, Kayemba Patrick, who gave a brief background about FABIO. He then cited the city as full of confusion and in a dilemma, where every thing ends up on the road, i.e. the pedestrians, the bicycle cyclists, the motorcyclist and the vehicles, all causing chaos. The facilities in the city also take care of the minority and neglecting the majority who are vulnerable, and in this case were the NMT users like the cyclists, Person with Disabilities (PwDS) and the pedestrians was pointed. Therefore, in order to put this case at rest, through a visual print out the presenter displayed a picture of city where every one enjoys in, has fun and feels free to move at leisure; where the elderly could move about, and the children could play. 5

7 6.1 Car Free Day On this aspect, the presenter looked at it as a day when the city or part of the city is given back to the people to enjoy it; and as a day dedicated to September 22 nd which is an international C.F.D. He looked at urban cycling as a life style belonging to the creative class, just as quoted from Richard Florida, and not as it was perceived years ago as the life style for the poor. Then on the proposed C.F.D due to take off on the 10 th November, 2012, a project organogram of the event was presented. He pointed out some of the things done so far for the event and also the likely challenge that we may encounter during the event; for example, mistaking the event to be a Freedom movement, we needed to avoid the mistakes we made during the previous CFD 2011 and build on the successes. 6.2 Proposed objectives of the CFD 2012 To demonstrate to all road users the need for NMT walking & cycling facilities to promote better air quality, a better, safer and healthier environment in Kampala city. To encourage people to walk and cycle in Kampala as a way of life and lobbying for cycle and walking friendly city. To allow the citizens of Kampala meet and interact regardless of their social, economic and political affiliations. To launch the National NMT policy in style 6.3 Expected Results of the CFD 2012 Increased awareness of the cycling and walking needs. Lobbying for NMT friendly infrastructural development Improved popularization and profile of the National NMT policy to be understood. Increased Social networking, interaction and enjoyment of the city for once. Lastly, he clearly stated out as Car Free Day not an elimination method to cars but appreciation of walking and cycling. 6

8 7.0 Review of the Car Free day 2011 by Richard -Teens Uganda The presentation was made by one of the last year s Car Free Day organizing team representative. The C.F.D. concept was presented as a world wide celebrated event from the western world, where the city or part of it is left free from motorists. He pointed out last years C.F.D. aim as promotion of cycling, walking and physical exercise; and its benefits as Community development, Equity and Access, Economic development, Improvement of the mental and Physical Health and increase of education. He then gave a quick review on the successes and challenges encountered while carrying out the event; Road sharing, where the participants involved were in front with their bicycles but behind them, were the motorists complaining; then, some of the lessons learnt like the need to involve and encourage close working of more stakeholders and policy team, need for adequate publicity, need to engage the politicians, celebrities like musicians, and media, and lastly, the need for complete cut-off the motorized from accessing the area where the event is to happen so that the day becomes purely a typical Car Free Day. 8.0 Group discussions This was another activity that involved every participant of the workshop. It involved the distribution of the participants into four major groups each having a task assigned to execute. The distribution was done basing on the counting from 1-4, and every group was to include the aspect of the Car Free Day in their discussions. Below are some of the issues discussed. 8.1 Group 1 Discussion Task: Publicity Dissemination and Awareness Creation of the NMT Policy and the Car Free Day The group was led by Mr. Kayemba Patrick from FABIO, and the group considered the following alternatives; Use of flyers, posters, and bill boards Use of internet (face book, twitter, Skype, u-tube etc) 7

9 Partnership with private sectors especially the communication net works like MTN, Orange, UTL, WARID and others Involvement of media in some of the NMT activities like the workshops for better understanding and internalization of the policy and better broadcast Summarizing or making the policy brief for easy public consumption and analysis Involvement of government key people in the NMT activities Taking advantage of the C.F.D to publicize NMT and NMT Launch to publicise CFD On the aspect of the C.F.D, the group looked at mainstreaming the event as an event in other regions and urban areas for publicity and awareness creation, and designing car stickers with C.F.D messages on it to increase publicity. The group also viewed on the use of celebrities and VIPs on such events to encourage more people to participate; and lastly, reviewing the road design manual to include NMT issues, and agreed that it may be worthy to brainstorm on an alternative title for the event to prevent unconstructive stigma to car ownership. 8.2 Group 2 Discussion Task: Non-motorized Transport Infrastructure in Urban Environment The group was led by Mr. Kabanda Peter and it focused the discussion on five main issues which were; 1) Bicycle parking The group looked at: Need to come up with infrastructure for bicycle parking designs at all public offices. Need for adequate security at the bicycle parking sites 8

10 At least have provisions for bicycle parking in public buildings like arcades, malls, etc Gazette places for bicycle parking with in the city 2) Pedestrian crossing The group considered the following issues; Each public gathering place, i.e. markets, schools, hospitals, etc, to have areas of pedestrian crossing Putting humps before every pedestrian crossing to reduce on the speed rate of the drivers Painting of pedestrian crossing signs with bright colors fort easy identification and sighting 3) Bicycle lanes The focus was on: Need for provision of lanes where space can allow Creation of awareness about the available lanes Coming up with regulations and enforcements guarding the lanes like fining any motorists found using the lanes. Including NMT facilities on all the new roads being constructed by UNRA, urban centers and local governments. 4) Pedestrialization The view was on rehabilitate all pavements for walking 5) Regulations Issues raised: Having regulations governing NMT facilities Check whether the traffic and road safety provides for NMT and if not, be included Lastly, on the aspect of C.F.D, the group suggested that the selected area for the event should be thoroughly checked to prevent any accident. 9

11 8.3 Group 3 Discussion Task: Rural and Inter-urban NMT issues The leader was Dr. Sion Haworth, and the group looked at the following; Enforcement on parking lots to building designs i.e. at least every building design should have a parking lot for NMT Need for foot bridges and or fly over Road partition where every road user is catered for i.e. motorcycles, bicycles, vehicles Guard rails facilities for security purposes. The group later looked at other factors affecting these facilities like theft, corruption, wearing of the facilities, disrespect at all sides of road users and limited sensitization; that need to be addressed for improved NMT policy. On the issue of the C.F.D, the group suggested that the name be rebranded to accommodate all other NMT and also overcome confusion; for instance, Non-motorized. 8.4 Group 4 Discussion Task: Design, Guidelines and Codes of practice The group presented that; o NMT be incorporated in the national guidelines and design manuals 10

12 o At every design level, NMT section be included by the Uganda National Roads Authorities and data collection and analysis on NMT should be mandatory. o Specialization of materials in different circumstances like; guard rails, bicycle packing racks, etc. The group considered the review of the high way codes to effectively accommodate NMT and emphasizing them in schools. Lastly with the C.F.D., the group suggested that the Ministry of Works and Transport should take it up and also the urban like KCCA taking it as part and parcel of their activities. 9.0 Emerging issues These are mainly the concerns and or the queries that came out from the presentations on NMT policy and how they were clarified. 9.1 Hierarchy of Presumed Rights There was need to know who assumes more rights on the roads, since an argument had come up that it s the people using NMT who assume more rights on the road compared to the motorists. However, with the help of Dr. Sion, the aspect of who is more vulnerable was emphasized, and therefore the need for every road user to have respect for each other. 9.2 Elimination of vehicles Another argument was that FABIO may be looked at as one organization trying to eliminate the vehicles and promote the use of bicycles, yet these cannot be sustainable especially on the long journeys. This was clarified by the Executive Director of FABIO who made it clear that the issue 11

13 was to drive when one must drive and also consider that others also have a right to use the road and to cycle when one can. 9.3 Topography With this concern, some members wanted to find out whether cycling can be possible especially in Kampala city which is made of the seven hills, meaning; one is either climbing or sloping. However, with the basis on examples of some countries where NMT facilities are available and yet they are high hill or cold or very hot, the concern was clarified that it is possible because even with the high levels of limited safety for cyclists it is on the increase with in Kampala. 9.4 Cost There was need to know the anticipated costs in designing of an NMT infrastructure and also need to know which one would be more costly; including NMT on already designed roads or on the undersigned roads. However, with the help of UNEP representative, the issue of cost was viewed as one depending on a number of factors influencing the area where NMT infrastructure was to be constructed [the context (e.g. country, region,); the designers and contractors to be used and many others). 9.5 Car Free Day Members considered the need to come up with a new name for the event that is not directly imported from the western world but one which locals and also one which would not cause misconception in people s minds. However, there was no final decision on the new name and therefore the meeting ended with maintaining the car free day name Recommendations There were various recommendations and suggestions that different members came up with on the issues to deal with the NMT policy as well as the Car Free Day and these are as follows; On NMT Policy There should be involvement of the Driver Trainers in NMT activities because of their responsibility in training all the drivers and dealing in awarding the driving permits to 12

14 people. With this, information on NMT could also be provided and thus people or motorists having more awareness on the NMT Policy and services. Then the distribution of high way codes to these trainers so that they could provide them to every driver in order for the motorists not to have any accusation of being innocent and unaware. That NMT policy and activities be carried out not only in Kampala but also in other regions and districts for easy sensitization and awareness creation The ministry of Education should emphasize Road Safety in the curriculum so that people leave school aware of the policies, signs and other issues dealing with it There should be need to improve on the communication strategy for awareness creation and sensitization among the people on NMT. With this, a 4 E communication strategy was mentioned, which refer to: Engineering the communication, Enforcement, Education and lastly Encouragement of people to take on the policy. On C.F.D With the event, the recommendation was that FABIO needs to make the C.F.D message clear so as to avoid these misconceptions and to also improve on its communication, publicity and awareness creation about the event. For instance, need to broadcast the information on the radios, television and many other aspects. The Ministry of Works and Transport will convene a meeting to actualize what ever has been agreed upon Closing remark: In his closing remarks the guest of honor commended the organizer and the participants for sparing time to attend the workshop. He read out some of the achievement realize as per the group presentations he invited every body to work as an ambassador for the policy. He thanked UNEP share the road for the support and FABIO for the coordination of the workshop and he hoped this cooperation will continue even in the future. 13

15 12.0 CONCLUSIONS The meeting was successful and there was proper time management just as it was allocated to the programme. The participants invited at least most of them showed up and the different activities involved were done with a self will by all the members. APPENDICES; i) List of Participant ii) Program of the day 14