During World Bike Day on June 3, 2023, Bloomberg Philanthropies announced the inaugural recipients of the Bloomberg Initiative for Cycling Infrastructure (BICI). Launched in partnership with the Global Designing Cities Initiative (GDCI) in October 2022, BICI aims to support cities in developing innovative cycling infrastructure and sustainable mobility options. Among the ten global cities awarded, Quelimane, Mozambique, proudly emerged as one of the winners.

The primary objective of BICI is to assist cities in designing streets that encourage higher rates of cycling, rejuvenate neighborhoods, and enhance the health and well-being of their communities. As a recipient, Quelimane will not only receive funding to implement their proposals but will also benefit from technical assistance provided by GDCI. 

This support will encompass project development, cycling facility design, data collection, and resident engagement.

Quelimane’s BICI project revolves around the creation of an extensive 5km cycling corridor, capitalizing on the city’s substantial demand for cycling. The proposal includes the establishment of bicycle taxi facilities, an innovative approach to addressing a vital transportation mode within the city. By setting new benchmarks for similar cities in the region, Quelimane aspires to become a model for smaller and rural African cities, showcasing the potential for sustainable cycling initiatives.