Ethiopia’s promising future on foot and by bike

Between 2022 and 2024, dozens of kilometres of new walkways and cycle tracks were built in the city, providing residents with safer and more convenient options for everyday travel. These efforts are part of the City Corridor Development Project launched in late 2022.

The initiatives, which build on the Addis Ababa Non-Motorised Transport Strategy (2019–2028), the Addis Ababa Cycle Network Plan (2023–2032) and the Ethiopia Non-Motorised Transport Strategy (2020–2029), outline a phased progression towards a safer, more connected cycling network. The goal is to make walking and cycling realistic alternatives to car travel, especially for children, older people and persons with disabilities.

Addis Ababa has recently developed  its third Non-Motorised Transport Implementation Plan (2025–2028), marking another step in the city’s long-term commitment to walking and cycling. At the national level, Ethiopia supports these efforts through a dedicated national non-motorised transport policy and an urban street design manual that offers guidance to cities across the country.

Combining various measures

What makes Ethiopia’s approach stand out is the way different elements have been brought together. Strong local and national frameworks are backed by consistent political support. These are not just policy statements, but concrete implementation plans and technical tools – such as the street design manual – to ensure that high-quality designs are delivered on the ground. The initiative has been strengthened by advocacy, including regular car-free days, and by effective coordination among partners and donors.

Together, these measures have built real momentum for safer, more inclusive and more sustainable mobility. Addis Ababa and Ethiopia illustrate how a city and a country can work hand in hand to make walking and cycling central to urban life. At the same time, experiences from many cities around the world show that changes to street space can be disruptive if communities are not meaningfully involved. Early engagement, clear communication and sensitivity to local needs are essential for building public support and ensuring that such transformations benefit everyone.

Links

Addis Ababa Cycle Network Plan 2023-2032

Ethiopia Non-Motorised Transport Strategy 2020-2029

Addis Ababa Non-Motorised Transport Strategy 2019–2028

Stefanie Holzwarth is a Programme Management Officer for Urban Mobility in the Urban Basic Services Section at UN-Habitat. She helps national governments and city authorities around the world shape sustainable mobility policies that make cities more inclusive, resilient and people centred. 
stefanie.holzwarth@un.org