
11/01/2025
LUSAKA CITY COUNCIL ADOPTS SAFE CYCLING AND PEDESTRIAN SAFETY POLICY WITH SUPPORT FROM THE ZAMBIA ROAD SAFETY TRUST
In alignment with the Lusaka City Council’s 2024-2030 Cyclist and Pedestrian Road Safety Strategy and following a successful policy validation meeting held in December 2024, the Council officially adopted a Cycling and Pedestrian Safety Policy for the entire city of Lusaka during yesterday’s Full Council meeting, held in the Council Chamber at the Civic Centre.
This milestone was achieved with significant contributions from the Zambia Road Safety Trust (ZRST), which vigorously advocated for the policy and provided technical support to the Lusaka City Council throughout its development. ZRST’s expertise and dedication were instrumental in ensuring the policy's alignment with international best practices and local needs, ultimately making it a reality.
The new policy reflects the city’s commitment to safe and active mobility as part of the Partnership for Healthy Cities, a prestigious global network of 74 cities committed to saving lives by preventing noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and injuries. The Partnership is supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies in partnership with the World Health Organization and the global health organization Vital Strategies.
The policy prioritizes sustainable transport solutions and underscores plans to develop long-term cycling and pedestrian infrastructure while enhancing safety for all road users. By promoting road safety and physical activity, the Lusaka City Council is taking significant steps toward a safer and healthier community.
Key provisions of the policy include infrastructure development, such as dedicated cycle tracks and parking, safety measures for vulnerable road users, and enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance. It also emphasizes public health benefits, gender and social inclusion, and accountability in implementing the policy.
Additionally, as one of the first results of the newly adopted policy, the Lusaka City Council has identified a cyclist and pedestrian corridor spanning approximately 10.7 km. This corridor will offer a safer and more appealing commuting option for residents traveling from Leopard's Hill/Bauleni to the Central Business District, serving over eight (8) residential areas, both formal and peri-urban.
These achievements reflect the Local Authority's commitment, as provided under the Local Government Act No. 2 of 2019 of the Laws of Zambia, to safeguard the lives of cyclists and pedestrians throughout Lusaka. The Zambia Road Safety Trust’s technical support further highlights its dedication to fostering sustainable and inclusive urban mobility.
The Lusaka City Council views this as a positive step toward embracing cycling and walking as viable means of transportation, contributing to healthier communities and a more sustainable urban environment.