Cycling and walking are great ways to promote healthy and sustainable living in cities while reducing air pollution and traffic congestion. However, not all residents of a city are equally likely to cycle or walk, particularly if they come from different religious backgrounds. Today, we’ll explore several strategies that cities can use to promote cycling and walking among people with diverse belief systems.
Start With Inclusive Infrastructure
Having inclusive infrastructure and accessible public spaces is the foundation of promoting sustainable mobility. Cities should focus on providing accessible cycling and walking tracks, making sure there are adequate crossings, and building footpaths that enable access to different places.
In addition, cities should consider building cycle parks and walking paths close to religious centers — be it mosques, temples, or churches, so that faith communities can easily access these areas. Offering infrastructure that accommodates religious needs and requirements fosters a sense of belonging among people of religious backgrounds in cities.
Engage With Faith-Based Organizations
Faith communities often have emphasis on communal activities and social events, but these can be a missed opportunity for promoting cycling and walking. Cities should, therefore, encourage partnerships between religious organizations and other non-profits focussed on promoting cycling and walking.
Cities can even partner with religious communities to promote healthy living initiatives, such as cycling and walking to their institutions instead of driving. Interfaith groups sponsor community cycling or walking events to promote healthy living while also building bridges across religious communities.
Address Concerns Over Safety And Security
Many faith communities hold apprehensions about safety on the streets, particularly during prayer times and festivals. Cyclists and walkers of different backgrounds may, therefore, have different safety concerns while walking or cycling together. Cities must address these concerns through social safety campaigns, increased police surveillance, and well-lit footpaths.
In particular, the city can collaborate with faith-based organizations to promote awareness campaigns on safe pedestrian and cycling practices. This can include disseminating information on safety and security measures, safe entry, and exit for group members and changing rooms for cyclists and pedestrians.
Deliver Personalized Programs
Religious communities often have similar lifestyles and customs, and cities can deliver personalized programs that target groups of cyclists and walkers based on religious background. A city could tailor cycling and walking programs based on gender, family life-cycle stage, or cultural preferences.
For example, women only cycling programs could be delivered to women-only institutions or family cycling programs could be conducted during religious holidays. Specific cycling or walking events could also be hosted aimed at those belonging to specific religious backgrounds with activities that promote an appreciation of culture and religion.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cities must create inclusive infrastructure, engage with faith-based organizations, address concerns over safety and security, and deliver personalized programs to inspire cycling and walking. Promoting cycling and walking is an essential task for cities to encourage healthy lifestyles, reduce congestion, and promote sustainable practices. By working with religious communities, cities can foster a sense of participation and diversity and provide access to healthy activities that promote well-being and help drive the transition to a sustainable future.