Twice a month the streets of Kigali, Rwanda go car-free. More than 10 000 people head out on car-free Sundays to walk, cycle, dance and skate and get their blood sugar and blood pressure checked.
The citys car-free day is going into its ninth year, far outlasting most short-lived initiatives like it around the world, including South Africa.
Experts say the success of Kigalis car-free day comes down to political will, including the commitment of city officials, to make it work.
In todays newsletter , Zano Kunene explains how car-free days can help people stay healthy. Sign up for our newsletter today.
The streets of Rwandas capital are packed with minibus taxis and cars, bumper to bumper. It almost has the feel of a busy afternoon in downtown Johannesburg but for the scores of motorcycles that jostle for space, and weave through the traffic.
But from 7am to 10am two Sundays every month, there isnt a single car in sight. Thats when the streets of Kigali go car-free. But the roads will still be busy. City officials estimate that 10 000 people come out for those Sundays, getting on bicycles, strapping on skates, hopping on skateboards or slipping into tackies.
For the last two years, Remy Ishimwe, 24, has jogged with friends every car-free Sunday.
Its a breath of fresh air having no cars on the roads, he says as a group of joggers passes, ululating and singing, this past Sunday.