By Lamin Njie
The Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure (MoTWI) recently conducted a nationwide survey on the use of Non- Motorized Transport (NMT) in the country.
Non-Motorized Transport is a means of transport that includes walking, the use of wheelbarrows and hand carts, animal transport (horses & donkeys), animal-drawn carriages (such as donkey & horse carts), bicycles, and tricycles for passenger and freight transport.
The objectives of the survey were to map out how government will improve facilities and regulations for NMT in The Gambia, inform investment and planning for NMT facilities and also provide safety information to users and security status along the routes.
According to the findings of the survey, among the strategic actions of The Gambia National Transport Policy is to have facilities for pedestrians, disabled road users, cyclists, and animal-drawn carts where warranted. Restrictions to be placed on the use of animal and hand-carts where warranted, police to enforce new regulations, develop non-motorised transport infrastructure to improve affordability and accessibility for urban and rural communities, rehabilitate NMT routes and free them from encroachment, raise awareness of benefits of NMT especially the use of bicycles, and pedestrian safety starting with schools and other educational institutions, incorporate NMT facilities in infrastructure planning and development and strictly enforce regulations including penalties to discourage encroachment on existing NMT facilities.
A significant number of the population uses NMT (walking or cycling) to access their workplace, businesses, and general movement. However, this core mobility infrastructure that creates access to offices, farms, markets, and health facilities for the majority and is also used to carry goods necessary for small businesses, is woefully neglected in current transportation planning and resource allocation.
The NMT has a significant economic and environmental positive impact, including reduced traffic congestion, traffic calm, improved public health, and better access to economic opportunity for all and it can significantly reduce greenhouse emissions.
The Ministry has developed a National Transport Policy 2018-2027, aimed to ensure the road environment enhances the safety of road users and that the regulations are appropriate, enforced consistently and effectively, and supported by adequate traffic signs, road markings, and infrastructural improvements.
The survey further revealed that even though the Policy has highlighted how government will improve facilities and regulations for NMT, there is no clear national NMT policy that provides appropriate laws and regulations to guide planning, resource allocation, and implementation of NMT facilities in The Gambia.
In terms of laws and regulations, the survey further revealed that the National Roads Authority is mandated by law to implement and update a road construction and maintenance management system for planning, organising, directing, and controlling routine and periodic road construction and maintenance activities carried out by the employees of the authority or through independent contractors. The Gambia Police Force is also mandated by law to enforce road traffic regulations as enshrined in the Motor Traffic Act.
