Gone are the days of ‘men-only’ cyclists – now women of all ages are riding high, getting physically and mentally fit and helping to save the planet by cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

As the price of fuel continues to soar in Nigeria, more people are parking their cars, hanging up their keys, and turning to cycling – a cheaper, more eco-friendly and healthier means of transport.

In the Damboa district of Borno State, women have been riding bicycles for more than 50 years – long before climate change became a major concern. They ride their bikes to get to their farms, travel to neighbouring villages and communities, buy groceries and visit friends and relatives.
Falmata Buba, a farmer from the Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State, said she uses her bike every day to go to her land in the forest on the outskirts of the town.

“Bicycles are an important means of transport for us here in Damboa and we have been using bikes for decades.

“In many other places in Nigeria, it’s usually only men and boys who ride bikes. Some people even look down on women who ride bikes. But I could not live without my bike. I – as with many other women here in Damboa – use my bike to get to my farm, fetch wood, buy and sell groceries and to visit friends and relatives. I use my bike every day.”

Fanna Bukar told RNI that she cycles everywhere because it is cheap.
“Tricycles, motorbikes and cars need fuel to run. With the increase in the price of fuel, it is just too expensive these days. The soaring price of fuel has made other means of transport – such as taxis and tricycles – extremely expensive.

“The price of fuel has leapt from ₦200 a litre in May last year to more than ₦1,000 – at some outlets the cost is ₦1,250. In the city, such as Maiduguri, you can ride the bus for ₦50. But we don’t have that service here. The cost of a keke napep [a tricycle] is ₦200.

“It all adds up. But if I ride my bicycle, I don’t have to buy fuel and I don’t pay a penny to get to my destination. All I need is strength and the ability to ride a bike. It helps to keep me fit and healthy. And it makes me independent because I don’t have to rely on others. If I need something, I just hop on my bike.”

Malama Karu, an elderly woman, scoffed at the notion that she might be too old to ride a bicycle.

“Traditionally, women in Damboa are known for riding bicycles. Young or old, married or single, women – even elderly women like me – have been riding bikes in Damboa town for the past 50 years, or maybe even longer. It has now become the norm. In past times, it was not always acceptable culturally. But now lots of women ride bikes.

“In fact, here in Damboa town, it has become a tradition that when a young woman is getting married, her parents buy a new bicycle as a wedding gift, so that she can use it for farming activities, visiting and other purposes.

“Even though I am old, I have a bicycle. I learnt how to ride when I was in primary school. Now I’m older and I’m still riding my bike to conduct my daily business activities.

“When people from other places visit Damboa, they are sometimes surprised to see a woman riding a bicycle. But it is the norm here.”

Mustapha Adam Kolo, a senior lecturer in the department of geography at the University of Maiduguri, said that apart from the obvious health benefits, cycling was good for the planet because it cut down on greenhouse gas emissions.

“Bicycles don’t use fossil fuels and it is a pollution-free mode of transport. The use of bicycles is a cheaper and more eco-friendly way of commuting.

“Bicycles don’t release harmful emissions that pollute the atmosphere, nor any carbon dioxide emissions that contribute to climate change. Unlike vehicles, tricycles and motorbikes, they don’t need gas or fuel.

“Apart from not emitting carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, bicycles do not require a road. You can ride a bike on all kinds of surfaces. You do not have to cut down trees as they do for road construction.

“Research conducted by climate experts indicates that if you cycle just three miles a week instead of driving your car, you’ll save almost 50kg of polluting, lung-destroying gases a year.

“Imagine the difference you could make – and you will also get fit and healthy and have fun,” Kolo said.

“A typical fossil fuel-powered car emits almost five metric tons of carbon dioxide a year. So, choosing a bicycle over a car just once a day reduces the average person’s carbon emissions by 67%.

“The loss of trees and other vegetation can cause climate change, deforestation, desertification, soil erosion, fewer crops, flooding and increased greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

“The impact of climate change is real and ranges from disrupted weather patterns, rising sea levels, global warming, wildfires, extreme droughts and excessive flooding.”

Kolo said governments needed to encourage the use of bicycles and reduce the number of cars to address the issues of climate change and save the planet.

“Whether you’re commuting to work, going to buy groceries or just stopping by to see a friend, choosing to ride a bike instead of driving will not only provide the mental and physical benefits of getting outside and being active, but it will also help to make the planet a cleaner, healthier, more liveable place.

In March 2022, 193 members of the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution supporting bicycles as a tool for combating climate change.

The resolution noted that increased cycling would help to achieve “sustainable development, including the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions”.

“Bicycles, apart from their zero emissions, are known to promote healthy lifestyles as the body is exercised while riders are peddling.”

Cycling, they said, was a viable alternative because of its cost-effectiveness, low carbon footprint and health risk-mitigating potential. Bicycles had zero fuel costs and required minimal maintenance.

Bike riding provided benefits, including improved brain health, enhanced core strength, lowered stress levels, decreased risks of heart disease, strokes and diabetes, it lowered blood pressure and helped control weight.

The UN said: “Cycling is good for the environment and people’s health.”
A UN Environment Programme (UNEP) report said: “The move away from cars and minibuses, many of which are ageing and are heavy pollutants, would help to reduce other types of airborne contaminants. Many of these vehicles emit 10 times what they should.”

SHETTIMA LAWAN MONGUNO