Cycling is increasingly recognized as one of the most environmentally friendly, affordable, and inclusive modes of transport. In the African context, it holds great potential to address challenges such as urban congestion, air pollution, rising fuel costs, and limited access to public transportation, especially for low-income populations. However, the adoption of cycling in many African cities and towns remains low due to inadequate infrastructure, poor safety conditions, and a general lack of data to inform planning and policy.
This talk explores how OpenStreetMap (OSM) data can be leveraged to support and promote cycling as a sustainable mode of transport across Africa. As a free, editable, and community-driven mapping platform, OSM provides a powerful tool for collecting and visualizing data on road networks, bike lanes, terrain, traffic conditions, and services such as bike shops or repair points. In many African contexts where government data is outdated, incomplete, or inaccessible, OSM offers an alternative source of geospatial information that can be used by a wide range of stakeholders, from urban planners to cycling advocacy groups.
Drawing from real-world experiences in African cities such as Accra, Dar es Salaam, and Nairobi. This presentation highlights how local mapping communities are using OSM to identify gaps in cycling infrastructure, map existing routes and conditions, and create open datasets for routing applications and transport planning. The session will also examine the role of youth-led and community-based mapping initiatives, which are not only contributing valuable data but also raising awareness about non-motorized transport and its environmental benefits.
The presentation will demonstrate how tools built on OSM, such as CyclOSM, Mapillary, etc., can be applied in African settings to support safe cycling navigation, infrastructure development, and public participation in transport decision-making. It will also address key challenges such as limited internet access, low mapping literacy, and data quality concerns, and propose strategies for building local capacity and fostering collaboration among cyclists, technologists, urban planners, and policymakers.
Ultimately, the talk will argue that enhancing cycling through open data is not just a transportation issue, but also a pathway to climate resilience, health equity, and inclusive urban development. By harnessing the potential of OSM, African communities can drive locally relevant solutions that promote sustainability, reduce emissions, and make cities more livable for all.