Kenya: Obunga - Make City Friendly to Cyclists

opinion

Today we observe the third World Bicycle Day since its introduction in 2018. I learned to cycle as a child, long before teenage like most of my childhood friends from the village. My childhood memory of the bicycle, however, cannot be complete without a reminder of painful school mornings. One of the things that worried me on most school mornings during my lower primary was the sound of a bicycle bell. Pupils dreaded the then Deputy Headmaster of our school for his fast cycling habit. Since the way to school would be lined with kids, he always rang his bell throughout, only braking at the gate where he stood and began disciplining those who arrived at school after him. It was useless running (however fast) after him because I don't recall a day when his feet stopped going round with the bicycle pedals. And that Roadster Hero Jet bicycle negotiated bends without slowing down, courtesy of Mr Booker Demba's dexterous hands and feet. The sound of a bicycle bell in the morning of a school day meant that he was approaching and that amounted to strokes of the cane. Sometimes it was never him but still pupils took off. These were days when bicycles were a source of pride and even playing with one's father's bicycle attracted punishment. It was a kind of privilege when a teacher asked a pupil to wash his bicycle. Then times changed. The bicycle became a poor man's vehicle as people transitioned to adopting cars as a symbol of improved social status. These days, cycling is more of sporting and a recreational activity than a mode of transport. And when you cycle to work, people read poverty even on your clothes, especially if you are middle-aged and your peers are moving around in cars.

WITH US FOR CENTURIES

...

AllAfrica publishes around 400 reports a day from more than 100 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.