During their 2024/25 break, the Kaizer Chiefs soccer team, one of the top division professional teams in South Africa, had their off-season camp in the Netherlands. One interesting sight was watching the team’s football players excitedly ride around the country’s streets, possibly traveling between training fields and their place of residence. The Netherlands takes cycling seriously and has made it a mode of transport that belongs to the citizenry.
I was honestly awakened and made to wonder how far we have gone to undervalue some very useful tools that are easily accessible and usable. When I was still at university, we used to be transported between our residences and the soccer grounds every time we had training sessions. It was a distance of just over 5 kilometers. Inspired by this, I thought that if we had been influenced to understand the value behind cycling, my teammates and I would probably have been riding bikes to all our practice sessions and even games.
One revolutionary leader in Africa who showed Africa the value behind cycling was Thomas Sankara, who was President of Burkina Faso from 1983 to 1987. He remains an inspiration for many Africans today. As I watched the Kaizer Chiefs players freely riding their bikes in the Netherlands, I couldn’t help but juxtapose that simplicity with the mentality that Sankara wished for amongst his people. Bikes can be fun, simple and more importantly useful.
A BIKE TO WORK
Sankara’s commitment to simplicity, self-sufficiency, and humility was reflected in his personal life. He often rode a bicycle to work, demonstrating his willingness to challenge the status quo and connect with the people. This simple act reflected his leadership style, which emphasised self-reliance, austerity and a connection to the people. By choosing to ride a bike, he showed that leaders don’t need luxurious trappings to be effective.
A NATION INSPIRED
Sankara’s leadership style was not inspired by access to flashy and luxurious cars. In fact, when he became president, all the luxurious cars allocated to him were reportedly sold. He was committed to simplicity and that inspired the nation. His policies focused on improving healthcare and education and empowering women. He led by example, demonstrating that leaders can make a positive impact by working hard, listening to the people and living with integrity.
“Produce In Africa, Consume in Africa”
Sankara’s economic policies, such as “Produce in Africa, Consume in Africa,” aimed to reduce dependence on foreign aid and promote local production and consumption. Though this made him an enemy to the West, this approach not only helped to boost the country’s economy but also promoted sustainability. By promoting local production and consumption, he aimed to reduce dependence on foreign aid and stimulate economic growth. This fostered a sense of economic independence.
HOW BIKES CAN CHANGE LIVES IN AFRICA
In line with Sankara’s vision of simplicity and self-sufficiency, bicycles can play a vital role in promoting local economic development. With limited access to cars and public transport, bikes offer a reliable and affordable way to connect people to markets and healthcare. By promoting cycling, African countries can reduce their dependence on imported vehicles and encourages a more sustainable transportation system.
AN INEXPENSIVE INFLUENCE ON THE ECONOMY
Cycling can significantly contribute to a country’s economy in various ways. The cycling industry generates employment opportunities in manufacturing, sales, maintenance and tourism, thereby creating jobs and stimulating economic growth. Investing in cycling infrastructure is often less expensive than building and maintaining roads for motorised traffic, which can help allocate resources more efficiently. Building cycling capacity does not oppose walking or the use of motorised traffic but is just a useful option.
HEALTH AND TOURISM
Cycling tourism is another significant economic driver, attracting visitors and generating revenue for local businesses and communities. Citizens within that african country could also participate in the business of selling and hiring out bicycles to local citizens and tourists. Regular cycling can also reduce healthcare costs by promoting physical activity and reducing air pollution, which can lead to significant savings for individuals and governments. Managing road traffic, cycling can increase productivity by reducing congestion, decreasing travel times, and improving air quality.
According to the European Cyclists’ Federation, every euro invested in cycling generates approximately 3 euros in economic benefits, making it a worthwhile investment for countries looking to boost their economies. Without having any specific data, allow me to use this formula for a typical African country’s currency – every Rand used in cycling will generate approximately R3 in the context of the South African economy.
INFRASTRUCTURE
To support cycling, several types of infrastructure are necessary. These include dedicated bike lanes, bike paths and cycling-friendly roads that provide a safe and comfortable environment for cyclists. Bike lanes can be designated on existing roads, providing a designated space for cyclists and reducing conflicts with motorised traffic.
Bike paths, on the other hand, are separate routes that are designed specifically for cycling, often providing a more peaceful and scenic experience. Additional services, such as secure bike parking facilities and repair shops, are also essential.
PROGRESSIVE HUMILITY
Africa can pick up inspiration from the Netherlands’ cycling culture and infrastructure. By investing in dedicated bike lanes, promoting cycling as a mode of transport and integrating cycling within the public transport system, African countries can enhance mobility and promote sustainable development.
As Africa continues to grow and develop, the humble bike can play an increasingly important role. By embracing Sankara’s ideas of simplicity, self-sufficiency, local production and the Kaizer Chiefs-Netherlands analogy, African countries can engage in a fun-filled, sustainable and equitable transportation system, promoting economic development and improving the lives of millions.
I’ll listen on the radio!
Rolivhuwa!