Bicycles in Uganda

Country:
Uganda
Why to choose this solution?
Bicycles are the principal means of transportation in many regions of the Republic of Uganda. They also provide a popular form of recreation, and have been adapted for use as toys for children, general fitness, military and police applications, courier services, bicycle racing, and bicycle stunts. The bicycle is a simple, affordable, reliable, clean and environmentally sustainable means of transportation. It serves as a tool for development and as a means not just of transportation but of access to education, health care, and sport. The synergy between the bicycle and the user fosters creativity and social engagement. It gives the user an immediate awareness of the local environment. This humble symbol of sustainable transportation conveys a positive message to foster more sustainable consumption and production. It has a positive impact on climate.
Savings per day or production:
Bicycle-riding avoids fossil-fueled transport and, thus, reduces carbon emissions and decreases the need for more roadways. Insofar as it replaces driving, it reduces landfill waste. An astonishing 75% of the parts of a bicycle are recyclable. Bicycle use improves air quality because it is a zero -emissions way to get from place to place. It also can help protect wildlife. Bicycling can reduce stress, improve respiratory health, maintain strength and balance, and effectively reduce healthcare expenses. It can reduce or eliminate expenditures on daily transportation, car insurance, and parking.
Cost in money and in own time to construct:
A bicycle costs about USh 250,000-500,000 (USD 71.4- 142). However, the price depends on the size, and purpose of the bicycle.
Lifetime:
About 15 years, but the lifetime depends on the how the owner handles it through maintenance.
Maintenance needed:
Keep the bicycle clean by washing it regularly. The drive train should be kept clean and well lubed. A chain cleaner tool will make chain cleaning much easier. Check the tire pressure always and ensure nuts and bolts are tight. Brakes should be checked regularly, index the gears. Replace components damaged by excessive wear and tear.
Resources needed in use:
Knowledge on how to ride.
Problems and limits:
Bicycles are slower compared to other means of transport. Bicycles are also weather sensitive as a rider is not protected from rain, sunshine and dust. Bicycle seats are not comfortable compared to other means of transport. Riding for long time is tiring, and sometime ends up causing wrist and back pain. Bicycles are not easily traced once stolen. Flat tires, inability to carry much cargo, challenges of route and traffic and fear of the unknown are potential impediments.
Where and how can you get it or make it?
They can be accessed through bicycle houses, bicycle shops, bicycle garages in Uganda. Bicycles sometimes may be bought second hand from individuals who no longer need it.
Skills needed to produce, install. maintenance, use:
Production requires skilled personnel. Use of the bicycle requires a physical ability to ride it.
How to use it:
Not relevant.
How to maintain it:
Bicycle parts should be kept clean and properly lubricated for good performance.
Climate effect (if any):
Bicycles are environmentally friendly since they do not emit any carbon in the atmosphere like fossil-fueled means of transport. Use of bicycles (and walking) are the only ways to cut carbon emissions in urban transportation.
Where it is used and how many users are there?
Bicycles are used almost in all regions in Uganda. There are over 990,000 bicycle users in the country.
Why is it successful?
Apart from walking, bicycles are the cheapest means of transportation and are the most environmentally friendly forms of transportation. Riding a bicycle is a physical task that can also serve as healthy exercise.
If you can make it, a short description, typical problems, materials needed.:
Production needs skilled personnel and to use the bicycle it needs knowledge on how to ride it.
How to make it (if possible):
Not relevant.
How is it delivered and by whom?
Bicycle models are advertised by shops and by manufacturers. Sales and discounts may be offered by the bicycle house or shops.
Successful financial model
Offering retail sales of new bicycles. Offering discounts for wholesalers. Sale promotions, especially during celebrations.
What policies and strategies helped the success?
The government has stopped overlooking the bicycle in its policies, budgeting, taxing and other major activities. The private sector has also been innovative by pushing the government to remove taxes. The civil society has also raised its voice and pushed governments, as well as private sector actors and users to greater and more efficient use of bicycles.
More info:
http://www.jugendhilfe-ostafrika.de/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Overview-bicycles-Uganda.pdf
Sources:
http://wedocs.unep.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.11822/25414/uganda_nmtpolicy.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y
Name of the association uploading the case:
JEEP
When was the case uploaded? (YYYY-MM-DD):
2020-10-15