The first edition of the ‘Bike Your Trotro’ initiative under the Youth Climate Action Fund II (YCAF II) has been held at the University of Ghana’s main campus, bringing together 59 cyclists in a biking fun fair aimed at promoting cycling among young people as a sustainable mode of transport.

The event, which took place on Friday under the auspices of Healthy Alliance, a youth group, formed part of Accra’s climate-conscious programmes under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative in collaboration with the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA).

Delivering a speech on behalf of the Mayor of Accra, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, Mr. Kwame Frimpong stressed the importance of moving forward with initiatives that benefit the environment.

He noted that the Mayor’s office fully supported the project, adding that cycling should be viewed not only as exercise but as a critical climate action tool for reducing carbon emissions.

The Executive Secretary to the Mayor, explained that the AMA’s infrastructure plans would be reviewed to improve safety and encourage more people to use bicycles as a means of transportation.

Mr. Frimpong pointed out that the absence of bicycle lanes often forces cyclists to mix with heavy vehicular traffic, creating safety hazards.

He reiterated the Mayor’s vision to cut carbon waste and reaffirmed the Assembly’s readiness to support similar youth-led environmental projects.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Ben-Smith Afful, an Assistant Director at the AMA and Project Lead for the Youth Climate Action Fund, Phase II in Accra, commended the turnout and praised the University of Ghana for its role in the programme.

He stressed that project selection was competitive, involving open calls for proposals that were evaluated by an independent committee before submission to the funders in the United States.

Mr. Franklin Nyarko Addo an Assistant Director with the Public Affairs Unit of the AMA, underscored that the initiative formed part of Accra’s commitment to the C40 Cities a global network of nearly 100 mayors of the world's leading cities that are united in action to confront the climate crisis.

According to him, the main objective of ‘Bike Your Trotro’ was to raise awareness of cycling as a practical, low-emission transport option that could reduce the city’s carbon footprint.

He urged participants to adopt climate-friendly practices such as waste separation and tree planting and to use social media to amplify climate action messages.

He encouraged them to tag the AMA, Bloomberg Philanthropies, and other partner organisations in their posts, adding that such efforts could inspire more young people to join the movement.

Mr. Addo also commended the Mayor of Accra for his commitment to action-oriented leadership in driving environmental initiatives across the city.