Bicycle and NMT
Photo by: Alexandre Costa Nascimento
The way in which a population uses available technologies for transport in a given territory is directly related not only to the way that society is organised, but also to the way in which it produces and exchanges its goods and services internally and externally. The conditions of spatial mobility help to shape and establish the very structures and dynamics of a society. The change in transport (type, infrastructure, technology, investment, and price) has been cause and consequence in the economic and social development of many societies since the late 19th century.
We will focus specifically on the characteristics of a particular type of mobility: non-motorized transport (NMT), with a special focus on bicycle vehicles and similarly human-powered transport, and try to understand the dynamics and characteristics that surround this type of transport.
In nearly all regions in the world, the (massive) introduction of the bicycle has proven beyond any doubt that it is an adequate and efficient solution to deal with mobility issues, not just in poor or developing countries, and there is still great potential for development.
The opportunities and potential that NMT offers in income generation, access to work, to education, health and other infrastructure, the distribution of goods and services, creating employment opportunities and income for populations in poor areas, are apparent in countries and territories where NMT exists on a meaningful scale.
Studies show that the use of this means of transport increases school attendance by more than a quarter. The bicycle quadruples the activity range of small traders and entrepreneurs. The capacity and autonomy to transport heavy items – such as firewood, charcoal, fruit or water – by bicycles are five times higher than the capacity of an adult on foot. The use of a bicycle saves between 50% and 75% of travel time.
But, contrary to what might be imagined, the high costs of the automotive transportation sector did not encourage the use of non-motorised vehicles (NMT) as a natural alternative in Africa. Although sub-Saharan Africa has the lowest incidence and greatest need for inexpensive forms of non-motorised transport, it has one of the most hostile political climates to use bicycles, and, proportionately, Africa has one of the lowest overall bicycle ownership rates.
Which social, economic, historical and cultural dynamics make this technology widely diffused in some areas, while in similar contexts it is ignored or nearly non-existent?
What are the environmental, cultural, economic, historical and social factors related to bicycle use in African contexts, and how do they encourage or discourage the adoption of NMT? Weather, topography, road insecurity?
What are the purpose and most widespread use of the bicycle in an African context?
Diagnosis of needs
What other means of transport competes with the bicycle? What are the impediments to obtaining and maintaining the equipment?
Policy
Which public policies stimulate or hinder NMT in Africa, and what mechanisms cause their impacts?
Costs
Are affordable bicycles available for the African reality? How do prices correlate to incomes? What is the origin of the equipment used by the African population? What are the value chains that link production, trade, logistics and maintenance to the end user? Are there specific import policies for bicycles and spare parts?
Is there a template or design that best fits these usage requirements?
Are there adaptations and local technological solutions that favour the use of the bicycle, and that can overcome any obstacles?