WINDHOEK, Aug. 31 (Xinhua) — Namibia launched a pilot bicycle project on Thursday, aiming to introduce affordable and energy-efficient mobility solutions through electric bikes.
The initiative, known as the EBikes4Windhoek Pilot, is led by the capital city of Windhoek. It aims to promote sustainable transportation choices and improve the accessibility and visibility of bicycles within the city.
The pilot project involves the participation of 18 students from the Namibia University of Science and Technology and 18 students from the University of Namibia. These students were selected through a rigorous application process.
During the three-month project, the students will actively engage and have possession of the electric bicycles. The project team will evaluate the efficiency of cycling for daily commuting, assess safety measures, and compare transportation costs for the participating students.
If the pilot project proves successful, the municipal authority will consider expanding the availability of bicycles to the wider public.
Speaking at the launching ceremony, Windhoek Mayor Joseph Uapingene highlighted that renewable energy-powered vehicles and other electric mobility transport modes are likely to shape the future of mobility in Namibia. This would involve the replacement of old vehicles that use conventional fuels.
The E-bikes are equipped with a battery and motor to provide additional support to riders. These features make them perfect for navigating Windhoek’s hilly terrain, covering long distances, or dealing with hot weather conditions, which are common in the region.
The municipal authority reveals that there are currently limited public transportation choices in Windhoek. Furthermore, low-income households in the city allocate up to a quarter of their income for transportation expenses.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
