On the 31st of August 2024, Nairobi witnessed an extraordinary milestone—the 10th anniversary of Pedal Power, celebrated by over 800 cyclists. This historic event was the largest gathering of non-competitive cyclists ever seen in Kenya, marking a decade of growth, community, and a shared commitment to making cycling a mainstream mode of transport in the country.
The event brought together every cycling club in Nairobi, representing the full spectrum of the city’s vibrant cycling culture. From seasoned cyclists to first-timers, this was more than just a ride—it was a celebration of the cycling community that has flourished over the past 10 years.
A Movement on the Rise
For a long time, cycling in Kenya has been seen as secondary to other forms of transportation. However, the turnout and energy at our 10-year anniversary event proved that the tide is turning. The streets of Nairobi were filled with cyclists, making a bold statement that our movement is not only growing but gaining significant traction.
Each pedal stroke on that day was symbolic of the collective effort to push for safer streets and better cycling infrastructure. It was a powerful visual display of how far we've come, showing that cycling is more than just a sport—it's a movement toward sustainable urban mobility.
A Day of Celebration and Unity
The anniversary event was a true celebration of the progress we’ve made, both as individual cyclists and as a collective force. We ensured everyone was well-fed with food and refreshments to keep energy levels high, and three DJs kept the crowd entertained with a vibrant mix of music throughout the day. Cyclists danced, shared their stories, and connected with others who shared their passion for the cause.
Representatives from all participating cycling clubs took the stage to share short, heartfelt speeches, reflecting on the growth and resilience of both their clubs and the wider cycling community. The sense of unity was palpable, as riders from different backgrounds and clubs came together as one, pushing for the same goal: a more cycling-friendly Nairobi.
Honoring Our Marshals and Driving Force
None of this would have been possible without the relentless dedication and support of our marshals and the driving force behind Pedal Power. These unsung heroes have not only ensured the success of this monumental event but have continuously supported the entire cycling community over the past decade.
Without blinking, they have been our first responders, confidants, mediators, security, and the ultimate connectors—the glue that holds our cycling community together. Whether ensuring the safety of cyclists on the road, providing guidance and leadership during events, or simply being the backbone of the movement, the marshals have done it all. Their selfless service is at the heart of the cycling community in Kenya.
As we move forward, our hope is to continue growing this incredible network of volunteers and to train even more people to join their ranks. By expanding our group of marshals, we will not only ensure the safety and success of future events but also foster a stronger, more connected cycling culture that supports and looks out for each other on every ride.
The Next Chapter: Focus on Women and Kids
As we look ahead to the future, Pedal Power is committed to giving more attention to two key initiatives: women and children.
Why this focus? Cycling presents a powerful opportunity to empower both women and young people. For women in Kenya, cycling can be an avenue to greater mobility, independence, and freedom. Yet, many women face barriers—from safety concerns to cultural perceptions—that prevent them from embracing cycling. By focusing on women’s initiatives, we aim to break down these barriers, creating safer, more supportive spaces where women feel confident and empowered to ride.
Children, too, hold a special place in our vision for the future. They represent the next generation of cyclists and advocates for sustainable transportation. Through targeted programs and initiatives, we hope to inspire a lifelong love for cycling among young boys and girls, showing them that cycling is not only fun but also a key to healthier, more connected urban living. Imagine a Nairobi where kids can safely ride to school or to parks—this is the future we are working to build.
Exciting Engagement and Networking Opportunities
Moving forward, we plan to introduce even more dynamic engagement opportunities for Nairobi’s cycling community. Beyond group rides, we are envisioning cycling festivals, skill-building workshops, and networking events where cyclists can share knowledge, build new connections, and strengthen our advocacy efforts. These events will not only bring cyclists closer but also provide a platform for them to voice their ideas and contribute to shaping the future of cycling in the city.
Our goal is to build a community that is not only passionate about cycling but also actively involved in pushing for safer streets and better infrastructure.
The Growing Need for Financial Support
Over the past decade, this movement has been sustained largely on the backbone of volunteers, whose passion and dedication have been instrumental in getting us to where we are today. However, as our responsibilities grow, so do the demands for more structured, continuous support to ensure the sustainability of our efforts.
We are now at a point where we need to seek additional funding to support our expanding projects. Whether it's providing more resources for training marshals, supporting initiatives focused on women and children, or organizing larger-scale events, the future of our movement requires financial backing to continue growing. Funding will help us professionalize certain aspects of our work, maintain momentum, and ensure the longevity of the progress we’ve achieved so far.
If you or your organization is passionate about building a more cycling-friendly Nairobi, we invite you to join us in this journey. Together, we can push for safer streets, better infrastructure, and a stronger cycling culture that benefits everyone.
Gratitude to Our Partners
We cannot celebrate this milestone without acknowledging the invaluable support of our partners. We extend our heartfelt thanks to GIZ Kenya, whose unwavering financial and logistical support made this event possible. Your partnership has been crucial in ensuring that this celebration was a success, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration as we work toward making Nairobi a safer and more inclusive city for cyclists.
Pedaling Toward a Brighter Future
As we celebrate this significant milestone, we are also looking forward to the journey ahead. Over the past decade, we’ve seen tremendous progress, but we know the road to a truly cycling-friendly Nairobi is still long. With the growing strength of the cycling community, the support of our partners, and the financial backing needed to take us to the next level, we are more determined than ever to push for the changes needed to make our city safer for cyclists of all ages.
The 10th anniversary of Pedal Power was not just a celebration of the past, but a bold statement about our future. With a renewed focus on empowering women and children, exciting plans to engage and energize the cycling community, and the pursuit of funding to support our projects, we are ready to keep pedaling toward a brighter, more sustainable future for Nairobi.
Here’s to the next decade of Pedal Power—one pedal stroke at a time!
Nice article, great vision here. Will always help where and wherever I can. Cheers! To more years of PEDAL POWER