Sustainable intermediate transport in West African secondary cities

This research provides a brief review of the scant previous studies of non-motorized modes of
sustainable transportation in Sub-Saharan Africa urban areas. Particular attention is given to the need to encourage bicycle transit in West African secondary cities. Although the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP) has made considerable progress in developing improved bicycle transportation, much work remains. In their outstanding effort at decentralized cooperation, ITDP has identified key countries for development of the market for quality bicycles, yet some important secondary cities have been thus far, overlooked. This study identifies the potential market for ITDP’s quality, yet affordable, “California Bike” in Togo’s second largest city, Sokodé, and compares progress made in the neighboring urban area of Tamale, Ghana. A pilot bicycle trailer project in Sokodé will also demonstrate practical application of sustainable and appropriate technology to be introduced in Togo’s central region.