By Allan Kai
Boost your Business on Saturday held a bike riding event called “TuBike Mombasa”, to sensitize people on the importance of alternative transportation, to ensure zero carbon emissions.
The event was in line with this year’s Climathon Mombasa, advocating for people to “Rethink Mobility” which is in line with this year’s theme of “Rethinking the Normal”.
Cyclists from different groups around Mombasa including Mombasa Queens, Critical Mass as well as other cycling enthusiasts, joined the initiative, which had them cycling across Mombasa from Ratna Square, Nyali to Swahili Pot Hub in the Mombasa CBD.
Lilian Wambua from Boost your business (center) and colleagues after finishing the 10km cycle to Swahili Pot Hub.
Lilian Wambua from Boost your Business encouraged young people to reconsider how they approach transportation.
“The message today is let’s explore our alternatives, let’s rethink our everyday life. What can we do differently to minimize emissions that we are emitting as Mombasa.” Said Lilian.
“For the road users, we want the motorists to know that we have to share the road when they are seeing people cycling. The road is for everyone if you are walking if you are cycling. Let’s explore alternative means of transportation, but let’s also share the road.” She added.
John Kimani from Critical Mass Mombasa showed his excitement for being part of the initiative, terming cycling as the perfect agent for climate action.
Cyclists making their way into the CBD
“As cyclists, we are enthusiastic about the environment, about climate action. So, we promise that we will continue riding our bikes, to work, for sports, for leisure, and for adventure. The message we are passing on is, let us rethink mobility. If it is a distance that you can walk, don’t take that boda. If you have a bicycle, use it, don’t be afraid. Change begins with you.” Said Kimani.
Earlier this month, Boost your Business opened the Repair Café at Ratna Square, Nyali in conjunction with Close the Gap Hub. The repair café serves as a center which serves as a diagnostic and repair center for electronic devices in order to extend their lifespan.
Climathon Mombasa is a community of local change makers co-founded by the European Union and is working to help achieve a climate-resilient society.
Having begun in September, Climathon Mombasa is set to continue for 3 months, culminating in an Eco-market day where vendors will be selling environmentally friendly products to help people rethink and consider buying eco-friendly products.