Barbara Gruehl Kipke

Bicycle Usage in Two Cities of Africa

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INTRODUCTION - Research Topic

The transportation situation in developing countries can only be understood if those concerned are asked, since little is known about their travel patterns nor their time budget for travel. In the final analysis it is they who decide over the transport mode, thereby directly influencing the modal split. An integral part of the research will be the collection of data in Africa by means of a household survey. A questionnaire has been developed that provides the information required and provides inputs for a behaviour-oriented model that will be presented further on. Activities are the basis for consideration because traffic is not an end in itself, but rather a means to reach an activity. The study should determine how important cultural factors, affordability, safety aspects, bicycle theft, spare parts availability and inadequate road networks are for bicycle usage. Emphasis is on lower income groups because the use of bicycles could increase their mobility considerably.

The bicycle plays an insignificant role in Africa, even though the conditions in many cities would be suitable. There are, however, substantial regional differences. Bicycle usage in the cities of Ouagadougou (capital city of Burkina Faso) and Tamale (northern Chana) for example is relatively high. These two African cities are to be examined, in order to on the one hand discover reasons for the high bicycle usage, and on the other hand to compare the mobility of bicycle non-usere in these cities.

The findings will be further utilized in a simulation model, from which it will be possible to develop transportation scenarios. A behaviour-oriented model will be used. Conceivable scenarios for bicycle usage will be discussed. The consequences for transportation planning such as investment requirements will then be determined.

The goal of this study is to use Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso and Tamale. Ghana as examples of how behaviour directly affects transportation needs. From this information, it will be determined in which cases the bicycle could be utilized, and why the bicycle is not presently used for these purposes. Based on the results of the field work, prognoses will be discussed, that vary in terms of the bicycle modal split. It may be useful for transport planners to set target modal splits based on scenarios (as has been done in Graz by Köstenberger, H.) and determine the consequences of these target modal splits with the aid of a simulation model. Since Africa's cities are still at the beginning of a process of urbanization, practical suggestions in field of transportation planning can be developed.