On the morning of Sunday, 2 November 2025, residents of Gacuriro-Kagugu took to the streets for the monthly car-free event, which temporarily shuts off motorized traffic between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. The initiative, supported by the City of Kigali, encourages walking, jogging, cycling, and community exercise while promoting cleaner air.
As reporter Marie Alice Uwimbabazi observed, the route was alive with activity. Families pushed strollers, teenagers skated along the sidewalks, and older adults power-walked in pairs, creating a lively atmosphere that blended fitness with social connection.
Voices from the road
Claudette Mukamana, a 42-year-old office worker, said:
“Since I started coming to Car-Free Day every first Sunday, I’ve noticed my energy go up. I used to feel stiff at work, but today after the 3 km walk here I feel lighter and more alert. My doctor told me my blood pressure is better.”
Jean Pierre Niyonzima, a 28-year-old delivery driver, added:
“I used to drive all day and get home tired. Now I join the joggers for half an hour, and it’s helped me lose about five kilos in the past two months. My legs feel stronger and I don’t catch the colds I used to.”
Health officials note that community events like this promote regular physical activity and help reduce risks of non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity.
Why it matters and what’s next
The car-free event offers a dual benefit: residents enjoy safer streets for exercise, and the temporary reduction in traffic improves air quality and urban livability. Reports indicate that similar events across Kigali have strengthened community engagement in public health and increased awareness of active lifestyles.
Organizers announced that next month’s edition will include free wellness screening stations along the route, offering blood pressure checks, BMI assessments, and lifestyle guidance. The addition is part of a broader effort to make exercise more accessible while integrating preventive health services into public events.
