The Afribike project

Abstract

Paper presented at the 20th Annual South African Transport Conference 16 - 20 July 2001 "Meeting the transport challenges in Southern Africa", CSIR International Convention Centre, Pretoria, South Africa. ABSTRACT: Afribike is a sub-Saharan bicycle project which aims to improve mobility for thousands of people by the use of rehabilitated second-hand bicycles. In many parts of Africa there is a desperate need for mobility to carry out the normal activities of daily life. Travelling to school, commuting to work and transport of goods, are all aspects of life that are greatly facilitated by the use of the bicycle. The concept of advancing utility cycling in sub-Saharan Africa was the brain child of The Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (USA)and Re-cycle (UK). Discarded and second-hand bicycles are shipped to Africa where these bicycles are rehabilitated via small business enterprises. This paper deals with the experiences to date and the success rate of encouraging cycling, the creation of work opportunities, as well as the provision of bicycle facilities (dedicated paths, parking etc.) in areas where bicycles have and are being introduced. The Afribike project has four core aspects: •The skills training program, •Rehabilitation of affordable bicycles, •The scholars program, and •The provision of facilities for safe cycling. To achieve these goals a great amount of time has to be spent with communities in order that the program is fully understood and accepted. The task of persuading various tiers of government to invest in bicycle facilities for safe riding is equally important. These tasks are however assisted by the fact that the bicycle is the most efficient form of transport invented by man which is also environmentally friendly, affordable and a healthy form of transport.