What Is Car Free Day In Rwanda?

Car Free Day is exactly what it sounds like…a day free of cars!  Well, not the whole day.  On Car Free Day in Kigali, major streets are blocked off and people of all ages are in the city walking, running, cycling and even skating all for a healthy lifestyle.

This bi-monthly physical mass sport bring many residents excitement as they can pour out in the streets in the name of safety and environmental protection.

While this is celebrated throughout the city, it seems that a large people start their journey at the Amahoro National Stadium around 7am and continue until 10am.  Kigali Car Free Day takes place on every first and third Sunday of the month, where some roads are closed for motorized vehicles to be used only for walking and cycling.

Since car free days were introduced in 2016 organizers say it has become a highly anticipated recreational event. It was so popular that while it was cancelled due to Covid regulations, when it came back amongst proper Covid protocols of being socially distanced and having a mask available when not working out…hundreds came out eager and excited. 

It is also a way to contribute, to some extent, to the reduction of gas emission as well as an opportunity to have a great cheer and socialization for City residents!

The Kigali Car Free Day, very popular in Rwanda also offers an opportunity for mobilization for the protection of the environment. For example, on June, 3rd 2018, a “Beat the Plastic Pollution Walk” was organized by the Ministry of the Environment.

Basically, it is a fun time to help keep Rwanda Green and stay fitness minded.