Urban Transformer Seble Samuel Discusses Open Roadways, Cycling Women, and Artistic Impact in Addis Ababa
Straight Talkin' with Seble Samuel: Championing Cycling and Climate Justice in Addis Ababa
Seble Samuel, co-founder of Menged Le Sew - Ethiopia's open streets movement - is on a mission to create a greener, more equitable city for all its residents. Born in Canada, Seble found her passion for climate activism after learning about the destructive Canadian tar sands project. Her love for mobility, however, took root in Addis Ababa, a city she finds both chaotic and terrifying to navigate on a bike.
Ethiopia: City of Walkers and Cyclists
In contrast to Western cities, where private motor vehicles dominate, a majority of Ethiopians depend on walking or cycling for transportation, especially in secondary cities where pedestrians and cyclists make up as much as 90% of the population. This presents an opportunity to create a city that caters to both its people and the environment.
However, in Addis Ababa, cycling infrastructure is lacking, despite targets for implementing 1,500 km of new cycling lanes and sidewalks in the coming decade. For now, cycling in the city remains a daring adventure.
Women on Bikes: A Rare Sight
The lack of female cyclists in Addis Ababa is glaringly obvious. Men outnumber women on the cycling paths by a significant margin. To address this gender imbalance, the city has set targets for female cyclists to make up 50% of riders in the near future. Achieving this goal means addressing more than just the lack of infrastructure or education; it requires tackling deep-seated societal issues like patriarchy and sexism.
Women who do choose to cycle face constant verbal sexual harassment, which is morecommon and extreme compared to street harassment experienced while walking. These conditions create an unsafe environment that deters women from cycling.
Open Streets Movement: For the People, By the People
Menged Le Sew's origins trace back to a minibus ride and a conversation between friends. Inspired by open streets movements in Latin America, particularly Bogota's Ciclovías, Seble helped form a collective of city dwellers committed to improving urban mobility.
The movement, now held monthly, allows for collaboration between various organizations, including the Health Bureau and environmental groups. Its focus on community involvement has led to impressive participation, with street takeovers doubling in size since the movement's inception.
Menged Le Sew aims to be more than just a monthly event; its goal is to create a permanent, safer, and greener city. While progress has been made, Seble continues to fight for change, using art as a powerful tool to advocate for her causes.
Challenges and Future Plans
From plastic pollution to the safety of female cyclists, Seble's battles are complex and multifaceted. But she remains hopeful, drawing inspiration from the global movement for climate justice. Her advice is simple: join forces, embrace diversity, and never stop trying to make a difference, no matter how daunting the challenges may seem.
References:
- World Resources Institute, Urban Mobility
- She Bikes Africa, Challenges and Opportunities for Women Cyclists in Addis Ababa
- United Cities and Local Governments Africa, cycling for Climate Justice
- Transformative Urban Mobility Initiative, Our Work
- Seble Samuel's mission in Addis Ababa extends beyond cycling, aiming to create a greener and more equitable city that aligns with the principles of environmental science.
- The lack of female cyclists in Addis Ababa necessitates addressing not only infrastructure and education, but also deep-seated societal issues like patriarchy and sexism, as noted in relationships and self-development discourses.
- Menged Le Sew, the open streets movement founded by Seble Samuel, is an example of education and self-development, as it promotes community involvement and collaboration in lifestyle matters.
- As a city of walkers and cyclists, Ethiopia has an opportunity to develop a sustainable urban mobility system in line with food-and-drink choices (minimizing private motor vehicle use).
- For Seble Samuel, the fight for climate change and climate justice in Addis Ababa is rooted in her passion for mobility, which overlaps with the realm of sports (championing cycling as a sport for urban mobility).
