Gender impacts on rural cycling decisions : a case study of Bugesera district, Rwanda

Abstract

In recent years, cycling mobility has attracted increasing interest from researchers. However, most available data on bicycling has focused on transport planning and policy development to address urban-related issues related. Only some studies have sought to understand rural cyclists' daily mobility decisions. The Global Positioning System (GPS) is an innovative tool that addresses spatial differences, even from a gender perspective. The study, therefore, assesses the impact of men's and women's cycling decisions in rural communities of low-income countries. The study targeted bike taxi customers and owners. Fifty participants of different gender, social background and occupation were recruited and handed a GPS device to collect their travel tracks in Nyamata and Mayange, Bugesera, Rwanda. Tracks collected contained road network data, distance (Origin-Destination), Elevation and Speed. Additional information was obtained through a survey, Focus Group Discussions and mapping of participants' daily activities. Limited gender inequality between male and female cyclists confirms that travelling speed has no impact on cycling decisions, reinforcing the notion that cultural norms and the lack of bicycle education, among many others, are the main barriers to more female cycling in Sub-Saharan Africa. Creating policies that encourage bicycle education at the school level, and teaching the value of cycling use for health and the environment, will help destigmatize cycling and remove cultural norms and restrictions.