When Kigali hosted the UCI World Cycling Championships from September 21 to 28, 2025, the spotlight was not only on the cyclists racing through the city’s streets but also on an invisible, yet vital, element of urban life “air quality”.
An analysis by the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) revealed that the temporary closure of major city roads during the championship week led to a remarkable improvement in Kigali’s air quality.
With nearly one thousand cyclists competing and traffic restrictions rerouting passenger vehicles while trucks were diverted to alternative roads, the city inadvertently staged a large-scale environmental experiment.
The unexpected clean air effect
Air quality monitoring stations across Kigali recorded consistently cleaner air during race week compared to baseline data. Roads that were completely closed to traffic showed midday pollution levels below 30 µg/m³ dramatically lower than the usual 47–50 µg/m³. The improvement was not short-lived; residual benefits continued into the evening, long after the races had ended.
“These findings are a clear demonstration of how reduced traffic emissions directly improve the air we breathe,” said Juliet Kabera, Director General of REMA. “During the UCI Championships, Kigali’s air quality was moderate, which is acceptable for the general public according to WHO air quality guidelines. This should inspire all of us to properly maintain our vehicles and to embrace more sustainable transport choices such as using public transport, cycling, and walking.”
For this special assessment, REMA deployed 10 monitoring stations across Kigali, located in Gacuriro, Rusororo, Mont Kigali, Gikondo, Nyarutarama, Kibagabaga, Kimironko, Nyabugogo, and near the RDB offices in Kimihurura.
Closed routes: PM2.5 levels harmful fine particles linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases dropped by up to 45%.
Alternative routes: Air pollution decreased by 30–35%, despite handling increased traffic.
None affected areas: Recorded little to no change, highlighting traffic reduction as the decisive factor.
According to REMA, these findings confirm what scientists and environmentalists have long emphasized: vehicular emissions are the single most significant contributor to poor urban air quality in Kigali.
The championship week’s results come as Rwanda reinforces its commitment to cleaner air and sustainable urban development. Earlier this year, the Ministry of Environment introduced enhanced vehicle emissions testing a policy aimed at encouraging proper car maintenance and discouraging the use of high emission vehicles.
“Cleaner air is within our reach if we make conscious decisions in our daily lives,” Kabera emphasized, urging residents to avoid unnecessary car trips and adopt sustainable mobility options.
Kigali is one of Africa’s fastest-growing cities, with rapid urban expansion bringing both opportunities and environmental challenges. The UCI World Championships offered a glimpse into a future where cleaner air is possible if the city invests more heavily in cycling infrastructure, reliable public transport, and pedestrian-friendly planning.
The REMA report stresses that promoting sustainable urban mobility is no longer simply an environmental preference but a public health necessity. With air pollution linked to respiratory illnesses, heart disease, and premature deaths, the stakes could not be higher.
Beyond the weeklong event, REMA operates permanent air quality monitoring stations across Rwanda. Citizens can access real-time updates at aq.rema.gov.rw, enabling them to track the air they breathe and make informed choices about their health.
As Kigali prepares for further growth, the lesson from the cycling championships is clear: less traffic means cleaner skies, healthier citizens, and a livable city. The challenge now is to turn a weeklong environmental success into a lasting urban reality.
BY NIKUZE NKUSI Diane
