Tuesday 22 October 2013

That Bicycle life

The last time I rode a bicycle in Ghana was when I was a kid, I think about 6 years. My dad got it for us as part of enriching our childhood experience. I really enjoyed riding the bycycles because it made me feel like an adult. I looked forward to run errands for my parents because I would be feeling like a cool kid riding her pink bicycle in the neighborhood. I have no recollection of what happended to the bicycle,. I think I out grew it or something.


All the memories of my bicycle riding days were rekindled when I moved to the US. Bicycles are a major means of transportation over here, especially in my state. A lot of people actually choose not to buy a car but rather depend solely on bicycles for their daily movements. Some housholds also have bicycles in addition to their vehicles.  In my state for example, a lot has been done to make bicycle riding ideal. There is a lane for bicycles on all roads and priority is given to them over drivers. I remember failing my first driving test because I was too close to the bicycle rider on my side.

Apart from keeping fit, a lot of riders also believe that they are contributing to environmental preservation. And you get to save a lot of money that would otherwise be used for fuel. Last time I decided to explore the university in my city, and  it was interesting to note that majority of the students had bicycles instead of cars.

In my alma mater university, having the latest cars was the order of the day. The most popular people were the ones who drove the best cars. Bicycles was never an option. You were either a walker or a driver.  I think it had to do with the perception of riding a bicycles.

 Its cute when you are a kid riding a bicycle in your neighborhood but as an adult, using a bicycle as a means of transportation was just not cool.(That was my perception back then, but its changed because my eyes have now opened).

Now maybe if I move back to Africa, I would definitely consider buying a bicycle, but just for recreational purposes. Ofcourse I have to consider the hot sun and also the fact that the roads are not designed for bicycle use.

How about you? Would you trade in your car for a bicycle? Would you consider using a bicycle as a means of transportation? What do you think of adults who rely mainly on their bicycles for transportation?

18 comments:

  1. You should go to Holland na the order of he day bicycles EVERYWHERE

    ReplyDelete
  2. Ghananians and Nigerians have this in common - they go out of their way to create a "big" impression. Cars for them are more of a status symbol than a means of transportation. In the US, it's completely different - people buy cars on need basis. Some resort to skateboards!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. so so true!!! even when they see people riding on bicycles they feel you are suffering or having serious financial problems.

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      Delete
  3. am gonna comment under anon you should always try to go through your write up before posting 'em your spelling of errand is incorrect also you wrote FOR AN EXAMPLE I personally think it should have been FOR EXAMPLE also BICYCLE WERE NEVER AN OPTION I think it should be WAS* pls work on it am a fan of you and you should know lotta people read your blog we all don't drop comments HAVE A NICE DAY

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. and who appointed you the English teacher of this blog. please get over yourself you are not better than any body.

      Delete
    2. And you are not above mistake?
      mschew!
      TAC, learn to ignore all these ITK people.
      You are the type that goes out to find fault in people and anything just to feel better about yourself!
      Get the morale behind the story instead!
      Can you speak her own language fluently?

      Delete
    3. African Chic pls no dey reply this English over sabi teacher.ITK person

      Delete
  4. Get out the important tin is dat you understand wat she was saying dis is not an english lecture and she is not an english lecturer. If you don't like her english or you tink its wrong den get ur own blog. People wil just be talking rubish bc they want to comment

    ReplyDelete
  5. Abi o
    Over sabi something

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. i love you. tell am him hear am well well. na their type fail english of secondary school.

      Delete
  6. Abi o
    Over sabi something

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  7. http://www.visitpayment.com/index.php?refcode=1723. pls visit this link and make some free money

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  8. Lol!
    So true.
    I remember wanting to get a bicycle 2/3 years ago in order to keep fit and when I informed my mum in passing (I had actually placed the order) she asked if I didn't know how it would look- that my friends were getting married and their husbands buying them cars and there I was speaking about getting a bicycle!
    Her myopia just truly astounded me and left me speechless.
    I didn't order the bicycle btw.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Yes, car is a necessity, not a luxury. Cyclist are given the same right of way on the road.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Riding a bicycle is very good for the body; it's a form of aerobic exercise. You work your whole muscles- hands and legs are active as you ride.

    TAC, please do this for me; take time to observe those who ride bicycles in your locality and access their physical well being.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Most of them have very toned bodies. I jealous their thighs.

    ReplyDelete
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