Pan African Bicycle Conference

JINJA, Uganda (March 27) - The importance of non-motorized mobility for the economic development in African countries is highly under-estimated. The vast majority of the tonnage of transported goods is done by non-motorized transport. Therefore it earns recognition in many fields of policy, like taxation, traffic planning, credit-schemes etc., as well as construction aspects. The importance for transport requires special constructions, as bicycles in western countries are built especially under consideration of the growing market of sports and recreation. The bicycles sold in Africa are mostly built in China or India with an over fifty-year old design, not especially made to meet the needs of African countries. To monitor the current situation and to create a common vision and approach towards non-motorized mobility is the target of the Pan-African Bicycle Conference (PABIC). The conference will provide an opportunity to promote initiatives in Africa and elsewhere in the world and to develop a strong networking system. This idea was developed by First African Bicycle Information Office (FABIO), a civil society organization, situated in Jinja, Uganda. It is involved in advocacy, sensitization and capacity building on issues of bicycle mobility. The PABIC is to be hosted in Uganda, Jinja in November 21st - 25th 2001. Jinja is a representative town to show the economical effects of bicycles for a region. This conference will provide a unique opportunity for every interested person or organization to share information and to link up with other organizations. Through plenary discussions and workshops we develop strategies to lobby for non-motorized traffic effectively. In the coarse of the preparation, we are holding a workshop on the 17th/18th May, which will give you the opportunity to influence the conference with your ideas and proposals. For more information contact: First African Bicycle Information Office (FABIO), P.O. Box 1537, JINJA, Uganda, Tel. +256 43 121468, Attn. Mr Patrick Kayemba, e-mail: fabio@source.co.ug