An assessment of the current use of, and opportunities to introduce bicycles to reduce transport challenges in rural Liberia.
This study explores the opportunities and challenges for integrating bicycles into the rural transport mix on the Village Access Roads in Liberia to improve mobility. Despite limited current use due to poor roads and terrain, 71% of the respondents show interest. Recommendations include a pilot phase, focusing on private family ownership of the bicycle, repair training, and gender sensitivity for sustainable implementation.
Summary:
The Village Access Roads (VAR) project in Liberia, funded by SIDA, aims to improve mobility and livelihoods in remote communities by constructing motorable tracks. This study investigates the feasibility of integrating bicycles into the transport mix of these communities, considering their limited use of bicycles so far. The research, conducted in Nimba Cluster 1 and Lofa Cluster 1, included 65 individual interviews and several focus group discussions.
Key findings indicate that while 98% of respondents are familiar with bicycles as a mode of transport, their uptake is limited due to poor road conditions, challenging terrains, and limited economic benefits. Despite this, there is a strong interest in bicycles, with 71% expressing a desire for them as a transport means, particularly when motorcycles are not an option. Bicycles are favoured for their affordability and environmental benefits but are less preferred compared to motorcycles, which are seen as more versatile and capable of generating income.
The study recommends a pilot phase for bicycle distribution, focusing on private family ownership to mitigate potential conflicts. It also suggests incorporating basic repair training and gender-sensitive approaches to ensure sustainability and inclusivity. These findings underscore the potential for bicycles to enhance rural mobility in Liberia, provided the implementation is carefully strategized and supported.
