Kenyans have been asked to embrace a riding culture in a bid to cut down transport costs and enhance physical fitness.
Members of the Kasarani Cycling Community in Nairobi who rode on bicycles to Thika to mark the International Cycling Day also told the government to take the sport seriously and initiate programs aimed at promoting it to global standards.
Kelvin Njoroge, the captain of the group with 1,500 members said in the face of the rising cost of fuel and lifestyle diseases, riding bicycles should be encouraged not only as a sport but also as a crucial means of transport.
Speaking at the Ananas Mall in Thika's Makongeni Estate where the riders were received by the manager Emily Gachegu, Njoroge also emphasized the need to address the safety of cyclists on the roads, observing that a number of them are knocked down and killed by motorists frequently.
"There is a need to respect and appreciate riders like any other road user. It is time the government took up the initiative to build lanes for cyclists on all roads as a safety measure," Njoroge added.
He also called on the government to channel more funds towards promoting professional cyclists, noting that Kenya still lags behind other countries in the sport.
Ms Gachegu said the Ananas Mall management has set aside parking slots for bikes as a way of encouraging more people to ride to shopping malls rather than drive.
"We want more Kenyans to embrace riding as a form of exercise and the government should take this seriously as it helps to build a healthy nation," Ms Gachegu stated.
