African cities are often challenging environments for pedestrians, despite walking being a primary mode of transportation for many residents due to limited public transport options. With over 70% of Africa’s urban population relying on walking for their daily commutes, the need for pedestrian-friendly infrastructure and policies is crucial for creating socially equitable, sustainable, and resilient cities.
Insights from Ghana’s Urban Planning and Transport Policies
Recent research in Ghana has shed light on the disconnect between urban planning policies and the reality of pedestrians’ experiences. While national policies emphasize the importance of walking, there are significant gaps in implementation and alignment with residents’ needs. The study highlighted the lack of attention given to making walking a pleasant experience and the discrepancies between policies and actual walking conditions.
Recommendations for Improving Walkability
The study recommends that city planners collaborate with residents to develop solutions for creating walkable urban neighborhoods. Drawing inspiration from initiatives in Freetown, Sierra Leone, where stakeholders worked together to produce a walking database for informed city planning, community involvement is seen as key to enhancing walkability.
Walkability in Urban Transport Policies Across Africa
Several African cities have incorporated strategies for promoting walking in their transport policies. Examples include Lagos, Nigeria, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and Nairobi, Kenya, which have developed policies to enhance pedestrian infrastructure and prioritize walking over private vehicle use in certain areas. While these policies are commendable, challenges such as funding constraints, public perception, and technical capacity hinder their effective implementation.
Accra’s Pedestrian Challenges
The study focused on Accra, Ghana, specifically examining the pedestrian experiences in Accra New Town and Dome. Findings revealed a lack of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, safety concerns, and conflicts between pedestrians, vendors, and motorists. Residents expressed the need for improved road conditions, sidewalks, and safety measures to enhance the walking environment.
Addressing Accessibility and Safety
Current policies aim to provide safe and reliable pedestrian facilities, but the research highlighted the inadequacy of existing infrastructure in ensuring accessibility to services. Safety concerns were also prevalent, with reports of road-user conflicts and frequent accidents involving pedestrians. The study emphasized the importance of actionable strategies in municipal development plans to address these challenges and prioritize pedestrian safety.
Enhancing walkability in African cities requires a collaborative effort between policymakers, city authorities, and residents to create pedestrian-friendly environments that prioritize safety, accessibility, and the overall well-being of pedestrians. By bridging the gap between policy intentions and on-the-ground realities, cities can work towards creating more inclusive and sustainable urban spaces for all residents.
