Chrispin Inambao
15 July 2008
Windhoek — More and more workers, possibly feeling the squeeze from a slew of interest rate increases on vehicle repayments and escalation in fuel prices that a week ago sped past N$10 for a unit of diesel, are resorting to alternative means of transportation.
Though figures are hard to come by, Greensport Cymot (Pty) Ltd that sells camping and fishing gear and bicycles says sales of the humble bicycle have gone up in recent months more so for the Challenger and for 18-speed bicycles.
Henning Barth, Director of Greensport Cymot, says: "At this stage we've experienced an increase in bicycle sales mainly in the northern and eastern regions of Namibia."
Cymot, boasting a wide product range, has sales outlets at Oshakati, Rundu, Tsumeb, Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, Lüderitz, Rosh Pinah, Otjiwarongo and Windhoek.
Barth says though the price of steel used in the production of bicycles has gone up 'significantly' by 30 percent, the Challenger still retails for N$745 while the 18-speed sells for N$1050. These prices are expected to go up by at least N$100 next month.
Unlike a monthly repayment for a new car that could range anything from N$1000 to several thousands plus insurance, a thousand dollars can buy a decent bicycle, which is almost maintenance-free save for the occasional oiling of the hub and chain.
But Africans, unlike Europeans, are more obsessed with status and they tend to shy away from this cheaper mode of transport and would rather drive to work than cycle.
The well-known retailer for outdoor equipment that imports these bicycles from South Africa says the first hardy and dependable Challenger was imported to Namibia in 1936 and is still a favourite among mostly rural folk and is now known as the "people's bicycle".
"It is still a quality bicycle and it is a preferred bicycle for rural areas. It is easy to cycle in the sand because of its thick wheels," he said, while the 18-speed is ideal for towns.
The Challenger has become a household brand and Cymot appears to enjoy an increase in bicycle sales as a result of "a certain degree that is attached to fuel hikes".
Barth feels at this rate of fuel hikes, by the end of the year - possibly by Christmas - the pattern resultant from bicycle sales prompted by motorists switching to alternative means of transport such as bicycles, that do not need refueling, could become more distinct.
The health benefits of having a bicycle, apart from cost saving, far outweigh those of having a motor vehicle, as a bicycle keeps cyclists fit.
"It keeps you fit, you burn calories everyday and your blood circulates which is very healthy, but when you are in a car you get lazy. From a health point of view, there are definite advantages," he explained.
He said the major disadvantage of using the bicycle is the failure by some motorists to observe cyclists' rights when they are on the road and motorists need to be sensitized on this. The other setback could be the high number of bicycle thefts in Namibia.
Health experts the world over usually recommend aerobic exercises that help to strengthen the heart such as fast walking, cycling, jogging and swimming.
And they also note that cycling has several advantages over other exercises, such as the fact that cycling exercises the heart better than walking, and that one can ride a bicycle almost anywhere, at any time of the year and at low cost.
Commuting to work or to school also reduces pollution that causes asthma and bronchitis and a cyclist is also less exposed to air pollution than a motorist.
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