Asking a Nigerian to buy a bicycle often sounds to them like you are cursing them. Long seen in these parts as a means of transportation for the poor, bicycles have been largely snubbed by Nigerians. Never mind that most of these Nigerians live below the poverty line. But have you seen those oyinbo people cycling along Osborne Road or on 3rd Mainland bridge? Do they look poor to you? Keep playing. Did you not hear that the Prime Minister of some countries cycle to and from work every day?
But we are not asking you to buy a bicycle just because of that. You do need to get rid of that poverty mentality about bicycles in order to be able to consider the following benefits to riding on two wheels instead of four. Come along.
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Health and fitness
If there is one huge benefit to pedaling on a bicycle, it is that of your health and fitness. Cycling gets your blood flowing better and reduces the risks of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and other medical conditions. It will also keep your legs in great shape. Who doesn’t love to be able to show off fine legs? It doesn’t matter what gender you are or identify as, hot legs are always a bonus.
If you buy a bicycle and start cycling to and from work every day, you will not need that gym subscription that you have been procrastinating over. Keeping and staying fit will suddenly become a part of your everyday schedule. Give it a try.
Do yanga in traffic
Picture yourself pedaling to work every morning and whistling merrily as you slide past all those fancy cars stuck in traffic from Alapere all the way to Obalende. The people stuffed like sardines in those moving coffins called danfo and the fancily dressed corporate people in black Toyota Corollas, all envy you as you pedal past them and leave them crawling on the road for hours. You are at your destination in an hour max. Who is the boss now?
Mother Earth will thank you
No; we are not going spiritual here. We are tech people; remember? Cycling means you are not burning carbon-based fuel to move around. That is less carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide being released into the atmosphere. It also means less damage to the ozone layer. You are helping to preserve our planet, and she will thank you (don’t ask us how; just believe it).
Save money!
You were wondering when we would get tired of dancing around and finally get to this part; right? Don’t vex. We actually set up a committee to investigate how we should handle the article, and they decided that it would be a good idea to save the best for last. So, here we are.
This saving money matter is important, perhaps importanter. Fuel is now selling for N1,200 to N1,4000 per litre in some locations. Forget everything that government spokespersons have said about official prices. As usual, it is all talk and no action. Petrol is not selling at the official prices anywhere in Nigeria right now.
With the new fuel prices and new bus fares, how many days will it take for you to spend your entire salary? Four days? Six? Maybe eight? Shey you see that it is in your best financial interest to buy a bicycle and pedal instead. F’eje run. Use blood instead of petrol. Save money. It is now a life-or-death matter.
And if you are one of those faux-bourgeois people who like to talk with their nose in the air and you are thinking of mentioning the idea of using electric cars instead, you are still not thinking straight. Try charging your electric car on Band-A tariff and come back to give us the feedback. And knowing the power situation in the country, you will find out soon enough that you also need to buy petrol (or diesel) at the unofficial rates to power your generator so you can charge your electric car one day. May Nigeria not happen to you.
What are we talking about? Nigeria is already happening to all of us. May it not happen more. Abi? That is now a valid prayer. Buy a bicycle, uncle. Buy a bicycle, aunty. Your finances will be better for it.
Mental health benefits
We said we saved the best for last; right? It turns out that is not quite true. If there is one thing that Nigeria can do to those living in it, it is to run you mad. Medical people say that one of the benefits of cycling is that it can help you reduce stress, clear your mind, and brighten up your day. In other words, cycling can help you stay sane. Why do you think those oyinbo people you see along Lekki-Ikoyi link bridge and on 3rd Mainland bridge do it?
Hold that thought. Why are those people always cycling on bridges? Is there a link? We can’t tell yet, but we do know that cycling can keep you from wanting to jump off the bridge. You will not die that way, IJMN. Buy a bicycle today o.
Prices of bicycles in Nigeria
We thought to add this bonus section that tells you what bicycles cost. That way, you have an idea whether to even consider it or to abort the mission. Like cars and motorbikes, bicycles come in all sizes and prices. There are bicycles for as low as N90,000 and for as high as N1.5 million (shey you see that buying a bicycle is not about being poor). There are all types in between. Simply find one that matches your budget and start riding.
Where to buy one? Check Jiji, Simba, Konga, etc. There are also stores in Ikeja, Ikoyi, Lekki and elsewhere selling these things. Hunt around and you will find one.
I wondered aloud – this morning – why people aren’t making use of bicycles, and a GenZ said the good ones are VERY expensive too.
I understand a Raleigh could cost close to a million..
But then, that would be a one-off investment that will continue to pay for itself – as long as your muscles don’t atrophy..
With e_bikes, you don’t even need those leg muscles…. if your primary reason is not for bike acquisition is not because of exercise..
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With motorcycles of low capacities being outlawed from major roads, how practical would bicycles be outside of neighborhoods?
And if I live in Iyana Ipaja and work on the Island, I should pedalled to work ?