The Mozambique Bike Culture Blog

Passeio Critical Mass Maputo - 29 Abril 2011

2011-04-17T06:23:00.000-07:00

29 Abril 2011

18h00 (partiremos por volta das 18h30)

Praça da Independência junto ao Franco Moçambicano e Sé Catedral

Critical Mass (CM) é um movimento global que realiza passeios de bicicleta em mais de 300 cidades do mundo para promover o uso da bicicleta como transporte não poluente.

As Critical Mass também são conhecidas nos países lusófonos como Massa Crítica e Bicicletadas porque a maioria dos participantes desloca-se em bicicleta. Em Maputo realizam-se desde Janeiro 2010 para promover as vantagens para o ambiente, saúde e relações humanas.

Venha participar num movimento único em Moçambique!

We cycle Maputo :)

Mais informações em:
http://criticalmassmaputo.wordpress.com/

Domingo de Bicicleta | Sunday Ride - 17.04.2011

2011-04-15T21:37:00.000-07:00

Domingo de Bicicleta em Maputo! 17 de Abril · 8:00 – 11:00
À descoberta do património histórico e arquitectónico de Maputo |
Ponto de encontro no Museu de História Natural |
Fim do passeio no Jardim do Tunduro |

Sunday Ride in Maputo! April 17th · 8am – 11am
Discovering Maputo’s historical and architectural heritage |
Meeting point at the Natural History Museum |
End at the Jardim do Tunduro |

Massa Critica - Critical Mass Maputo - Masse Critique - Masa Critica - 25.02.2011

2011-02-15T22:16:00.000-08:00

Massa Critica de Maputo no próximo dia 25 de Fevereiro às 18h00 na Praça da Independência, junto ao Centro Cultural Franco Moçambicano.

Critical Mass Maputo on the 25th of February at 18:00 in Independence Square, near the Franco Mozambique Cultural Centre .

Masse Critique de Maputo, le 25 Février à 18h00, Place de l'Indépendance, près de la Mozambique Franco.

La Masa Crítica de Maputo el 25 de febrero a las 18:00 en la Plaza Independencia, cerca de Mozambique Franco.

http://www.criticalmassmaputo.wordpress.com

Dezembro | December

2010-12-21T20:04:00.000-08:00

More photos here | Mais fotos do passeio aqui

Massa Critica de Maputo | Critical Mass Maputo | 19.12.2010

2010-12-09T05:17:00.000-08:00

é natal, é natal! estamos muito contentes com o nosso CRITICAL MASS MAPUTO, que finalmente chegou à sua 12ª edição e que em breve celebrará um ano deste espectacular evento, feito para vocês mas sobretudo feito por vós!

visto este mês de Dezembro juntar várias celebrações juntas, como o Natal e Ano Novo, para além de ser o mês de férias por excelência, juntando o facto de que a última 6ª-feira do mês calhar mesmo no último dia do ano, embora interessante, percebemos o quanto será difícil organizar o CMM #012 neste mesmo dia… por isso tendo em conta todos estes pormenores, declaramos que o próximo CRITICAL MASS será um CMM especial: domingo dia 19 de Dezembro 2010, às 9:00 da manhã no local de sempre Praça da Independência.

imagem “roubada” do CMDurban – image “stolen” from CMDurban

it’s xmas time! and we are so proud of our CRITICAL MASS MAPUTO, we’ve finally arrived to our 12th edition which means soon we’ll be celebrating a whole year of this great event, made specially for you and most importantly BY you!

seeing that the month of December is an eventful month, with Christmas and New Year, plus the fact that the last friday of the month is actually the last day of the year, even if interesting, we realized we might run the risk of not having anyone around for this CMM #012, so because of all these details we have decided to change a few things and create a different edition: sunday, December 19th, at 9am at the usual meeting place, Praça da Independência.

Last Friday Critical Mass in Maputo | Massa Critica de Novembro

2010-11-28T09:45:00.000-08:00

O passeio de sexta-feira correu muito bem. Com cerca de 20 participantes formámos uma massa de ciclistas nas ruas de Maputo que não deixou os automobilistas indiferentes. Todos nos sentimos mais protegidos a pedalar em conjunto. E no final parámos no Jardim dos Cronistas para tomar refresco e conversar.

The Friday ride went very well. With about 20 participants we formed a mass of cyclists on the streets of Maputo that didn't left motorists indifferent. We all felt more secure riding together. And in the end we stopped at the Writers Garden to take refreshments and chat.

Critical Mass Maputo é já amanhã | tomorrow

2010-11-24T20:14:00.000-08:00

Critical Mass Maputo é já amanhã. Mais detalhes aqui | Critical Mass Maputo tomorrow. More details here

Bic i Nic - Pedalar junto | Cycle Together

2010-10-12T07:54:00.000-07:00

Mais fotografias em breve | More photos soon

Bic i Nic Maputo - 10/10/10

2010-10-05T00:58:00.000-07:00

Olá a todos,

O verão está quase aí e com ele os bons dias de sol, e claro está, os bons e relaxantes domingos… a pedalar!

Queremos que venham connosco para mais um passeio domingueiro pela cidade de Maputo. A ideia é juntar o útil ao agradável como diz o ditado, pedalar ajudando o futuro do planeta, a nossa saúde, e acabar com um bom piquenique, cheios de coisas boas, frescas e saborosas para compensar o exercício!!

O plano é o seguinte: juntarmo-nos na Av. Kwame Nkrumah nº736 (ver mapa), em frente à loja de bicicletas do Betinho, já vosso conhecido provavelmente, às 10:00h e dali arrancar com as bicicletas pela cidade fora. Gostaríamos de acabar a mesma no Jardim da Ponta Vermelha, na Rua José Macamo (ver mapa), por volta das 13:00h, para o BIC I NIC, ou seja, um piquenique com bicicletas… sendo assim, tragam nos vossos cestinhos tudo o que quiserem comer e beber para que possamos almoçar de modo diferente juntos. Quem tiver algum dote culinário especial, toca lá a partilhar com a malta!

Obviamente estão todos livres de se juntar apenas à pedalada ou ao piquenique separadamente… mas damo-vos um conselho… vai valer a pena! Depois não digam que não avisámos!!

Para mais informações enviem-nos um email para: criticalmassmaputo@gmail.com ou contactem-nos através do 845315434 /823068199

Hello everyone,

Summer is almost here and with it sunny days and of course relaxing sundays too… cycling!

We’d like you to join us for another Sunday Cycling in the city of Maputo. The idea is to exercise having fun, to cycle helping the future of the planet, our health and finishing off with a nice piknik, full of tasty things to make up for the exercise!!

The plan is to meet at 10am Betinho’s Bike Shop at Av. Kwame Nkrumah nº736 (see map), and from then start pedaling until we drop. We’d like to finish our tour at around 1pm at the Jardim da Ponta Vermelha, na Rua José Macamo (see map), for the BIC I NIC, which basically means a piknik with bikes… and for this feel free to fill up your baskets with goodies to eat and drink together. Whoever has culinary gifts please share them!!!

Obviously everyone is free to join us only for the biking or just for the piknik… but we warn you, it’ll be worth it… don’t say we didn’t say so!!!

For more information please send us an email to: criticalmassmaputo@gmail.com or call 845315434 / 823068199

Weekend Style on Maputo's Downtown

2010-10-01T20:58:00.000-07:00

Let's ride this Friday

2010-09-23T13:08:00.000-07:00

Apareçam no CCFM (Praça da Independência) às 18h, para mais uma Critical Mass/Massa Crítica/Bicicletada maputense. Sairemos pelas 18h30.

Show up in the CCFM (Independence Square) at 18h, for another Maputo's Massa Critica/Critical Mass/Bicicletada . We will leave by 18:30.

Our First Sunday Cycle Chic Tour in Maputo

2010-09-23T09:55:00.000-07:00

New layout

2010-09-20T21:18:00.000-07:00

As you can see there is a new layout. Thanks to my friend Alberto that create this new look. I dont have a photo of him cycling but this picture reminds me of the good times in Chokwe back in 2008.

BMX Style in Chokwe

2010-09-19T10:18:00.000-07:00

Couple by the Riverside

2010-09-17T23:01:00.000-07:00

Sunday Cycle by the Polana Church

2010-09-12T23:32:00.000-07:00

Critical Mass Maputo - 30.07.2010

2010-07-27T01:23:00.000-07:00

Estás convidado para mais um passeio de bicicleta Critical Mass Maputo que acontece já no próximo dia 30 de Julho, habitualmente nas últimas sextas de cada mês. Ponto de encontro às 18h00 junto ao Centro Cultural Franco Moçambicano, Rotunda da Praça da Independência. Traz a tua bicicleta. Vê o vídeo de Maio http://vimeo.com/12217220

You are invited to another Critical Mass bike ride Maputo that will happen on the 30th of July, usually the last Friday of each month. Meeting point at 18:00 with the Centro Cultural Franco Moçambicano, Independence Square. Bring your bike. Watch the video of May ride http://vimeo.com/12217220

I wanna dance with my bicycle

2010-07-04T02:25:00.001-07:00

Maputo is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city and recently there are many cultural activities. These friends started to make every Saturday morning a public performance in several streets, squares and gardens of Maputo. Everyone around stops and gets contaminated by the dance and experimental vibe.

My new bike

2010-06-28T11:00:00.000-07:00

Let's ride in Maputo

2010-06-15T22:01:00.000-07:00

Avenida Julius Nyerere

Thumbs up for cycling

2010-06-13T22:22:00.000-07:00

Every time I see a cyclist in Maputo I make "thumbs up" for him or her. It works for me as a very simple way of showing support and connecting with this other person. They always reply back and a smile is created there in this beautiful and simple moment. Something much more difficult when driving a car.

Critical Mass Maputo - May 2010

2010-06-01T22:54:00.000-07:00

Critical Mass Maputo - 28.05.2010

Yes, we cycle in Maputo!

More info on the blog http://criticalmassmaputo.wordpress.com/

Tomorrow: Critical Mass Maputo

2010-05-27T12:46:00.000-07:00

Escusado será dizer que o Critical Mass Maputo já faz parte das nossas vidas! E da vida da cidade de Maputo!

Gostaríamos de vos lembrar do próximo evento CMM 005 será já nesta 6ª-feira, dia 28 de Maio ás 18:00 no sítio do costume… para os que se andam a baldar o sítio do costume é a Praça da Independência, junto à Catedral de Maputo.

Vá lá! Que seja esta a vossa oportunidade para conhecerem o CMM e a cidade de Maputo com outros olhos e outras sensações. Já notámos grandes diferenças entre a primeira edição, em que o trânsito nem nos ligava nenhuma, e a última em que toda a cidade se comporta de maneira diferente ao ver-nos passar. Basta muito pouco para fazer ver ao mundo que é essencial pensar em alternativas de circulação e nós, convosco, podemos fazer isto e muito mais!

Comemorem a 5ªedição deste evento connosco e verão que 1 horinha por mês pode ser tão gratificante para si e para Maputo!

Needless to say that Critical Mass Maputo is already a part of our lives, and of the city of Maputo!

We would like, one more time, to remind you that the next CMM 005 will take place this friday, May 28th at 6pm at the usual place… for those who have been too lazy, the usual place is at the Praça da Independência, next to the Cathedral of Maputo.

Come on! May this be your chance to get to know the CMM, and the city of Maputo from another viewpoint and with other feelings. We have already noticed great changes between the first edition, when traffic didn’t even notice us, and the last when the whole city already had a completely different approach towrads this event. It really takes very little to make the world notice how important it is to rethink our transportation ways and think of alternatives, and we, together with you can do so much more!

Celebrate our 5th CMM with us and you’ll see that 1 hour per month is such a satisfaction for us individually and for Maputo!

Cycle together in Beira

2010-05-13T20:18:00.000-07:00

Fotos de Celina Henriques

Elections in two wheels

2010-05-02T01:18:00.000-07:00

Last here we had presidential elections and in Chókwè the supporters of Frelimo candidate went to the streets spreading their belief. A classical bike being used as a campaign material and spreading the message.

Passeio de Bicicleta | Bike Ride | Critical Mass Maputo

2010-04-28T22:49:00.000-07:00

Cá estamos nós outra vez!

Como prometemos, não desistimos e estamos quase, quase na 4ª edição do CRITICAL MASS MAPUTO!

É já no dia 30 de Abril de 2010, última sexta-feira do mês como prometido.

E claro que não nos cansamos de dizer, isto de pedalar, só faz bem! Maputo está cada vez mais habituada a ver o grupo do CMM a passar, e com cada edição cresce a nossa vontade de ir sempre mais além, fazendo de tudo para que, respeitando-nos uns aos outros, a circulação na cidade Maputo fique mais fácil e mais amiga do ambiente.

Portanto, servem poucas palavras para vos dizer, A VER SE É DESTA que se juntam e que ajudam a cidade de Maputo a ser cada vez melhor! Para os veteranos do CMM, lá nos encontraremos no sítio e á hora do costume! 'Bora lá!

Here we are again!

As promised, we haven't given up and are still here almost on our 4th edition of the CRITICAL MASS MAPUTO!

It's already around the corner, on the last friday of the month, on April 30th of 2010.

And of course we never get tired of saying it, this cycling business is a good thing! Maputo is getting more and more used to the idea and of seeing the CMM group pass by. With each edition our will to go further increases, making everything possible, respecting eachother, to make circulation around town easier and environmentally friendly.

So, all there is to say is TRY TO COME THIS TIME and help this city be better! To the CMM veterans, you know the drill, same spot same time! Move it!

--
CRITICAL MASS MAPUTO
email: criticalmassmaputo@gmail.com
facebook: CRITICAL MASS MAPUTO
blog: criticalmassmaputo.wordpress.com

Help Maputo cyclists | Ajude os ciclistas de Maputo

2010-04-26T22:06:00.000-07:00

I see them in the early morning and at late night with no lights or reflective vests. If you consider that many streets don’t have the public illumination working, it seems very dangerous for them as easily they are not seen by drivers.

Is out there any cyclists organization, group or company that wants to offer some support or ideas how to improve this situation and put Mozambican cyclists in a safer condition?

***

Eu estive pensando como ajudar os ciclistas de Maputo, Moçambique que se deslocam de bicicleta diariamente de casa para o trabalho, desde os arredores da cidade para o centro.

Vejo-os no início da manhã e à noite sem luzes ou coletes reflectores. Se considerarem que muitas ruas não têm iluminação pública, afigura-se muito perigoso para eles e com facilidade não são vistos pelos motoristas.

Alguma organização de ciclistas, grupo ou empresa que deseje oferecer algum apoio ou ideias de como melhorar esta situação e colocar os ciclistas de Maputo, Moçambique, numa condição mais segura?

Maputo - weekend on the beach

2010-04-24T07:48:00.000-07:00

3 Bicycles, 5 persons.
With little help from a friend and the journey is always easier.

Karma Bike

2010-03-20T11:49:00.000-07:00

Two bicycles and a sunset

2010-02-14T06:36:00.000-08:00

A perfect frame for your Valentine's Day...

In Chibuto, Gaza province, Mozambique.

Critical Mass Maputo - 26.02.2010

2010-02-07T21:52:00.001-08:00

Despite the rain we cycle in Quelimane

2010-02-02T03:16:00.000-08:00

Photo from António Zefanias. Via Diário de um Sociólogo

Cuamba Market

2010-01-26T01:11:00.000-08:00

Via Diário de um Sociólogo

Critical Mass arrives in Maputo

2010-01-21T04:36:00.000-08:00

More news to come shortly.
We have already a blog.

Ckeck out and join us next FridaY, the 29th, around 18h30 at Praça da Independência, close to Franco Moçambicano.

Again Quelimane

2010-01-20T00:00:00.000-08:00

Bicycles are back in town

2010-01-19T00:00:00.000-08:00

Maputo, Julius Nyerere Avenue.

The Art of Happy-Cycling

2010-01-18T00:00:00.000-08:00

I can't remember his name but I will call him Mr. Happy. He works as door-keeper in one of Maputo's buildings. We started to chat one of these days. What was the motive? The shared enthusiasm for bicycles... that's right!

Bicycles and Bread

2010-01-17T12:48:00.000-08:00

Several bicycles at one of Chókwè's bakeries.

Cheap, classical and robust.

Makes me remember the time I lived in Chókwè and the fresh morning rides to get fresh bread :)

A photo from my friend Alberto.

How I meet Salma

2009-10-28T13:57:00.000-07:00

I meet Salma because of bicycles. She arrived in Maputo and wanted to start cycling as she used to do it often in Australia. She was looking for bicycles shops in the city but was not happy with the offer and lack of good client care. She discovered this blog and contacted me. I was happy to have feedback from readers and rented her one of my bicycles. We did some rides at the end of afternoons in the city.

Maputo is a very nice city but the high number of cars that enter the city every day is becoming a very big problem.

Salma is leaving friday to Tanzania. I hope she finds a bicycle over there and continues cycling.

Quelimane - Mozambique cycling city

2009-09-07T13:22:00.000-07:00

Photos by my friend Patrícia

Returning home from the farm

2009-08-23T13:06:00.000-07:00

Sunday Morning in Chókwè

2009-07-26T14:17:00.000-07:00

Bicicletas de Chókwè / Bicycles of Chókwè (Ex-Vila Trigo de Morais)

2009-07-06T10:44:00.000-07:00

Uso da Bicicleta em Maputo

2009-05-07T00:05:00.001-07:00

O sector privado moçambicano, particularmente o da cidade Maputo, deu hoje o primeiro passo na implementação da iniciativa de massificação do uso da bicicleta e motorizadas, uma medida que visa reduzir o impacto dos altos preços dos combustíveis nas despesas diárias dos cidadãos relacionadas com os transportes.

Trata-se de um projecto do Ministério moçambicano dos Transportes e Comunicações (MTC), cuja implementação conta com a colaboração do sector privado. Com efeito, as empresas Marine Services, Agri-Motors, PerShop e Ronil realizam hoje uma feira de exposição de diversas variedades de bicicletas e motorizadas disponíveis no país para a implementação deste projecto. Segundo Sérgio Caldeira, da empresa Agri-Motors, este grupo de empresas possui um número indeterminado de bicicletas e motorizadas para fornecer o mercado da capital moçambicana.

Os custos das bicicletas varia de 1,800 Meticais (cerca de 60 dólares norte-americanos) e das motorizadas entre 28 e 68 mil Meticais. Esta vasta variedade de veículos inclui uma bicicleta ambulância e uma outra movida a gasolina, mas que também pode ser pedalado.

Contudo, diversos empresários da praça ainda estão receosos do sucesso do projecto, daí não terem aderido, até agora, a iniciativa. “Nem todos acreditam na viabilidade de vender bicicletas em Maputo. Mas nós achamos ser possível é por isso que estamos a tentar. A questão é que além de vender, nós nos preocupamos em garantir a assistência do veículo por um ano e muitos estão apenas interessados em vender”, disse Caldeira.

Provavelmente, os empresários duvidam do sucesso da iniciativa por causa da inexistência, tanto em Maputo como na vizinha cidade da Matola, de espaços concebidos nas vias de acesso para a circulação de bicicletas. Aliás, em alguns locais as viaturas chegam a usar os passeios devido a limitações que sofrem ao usar as estradas.

O mais grave é que mesmo as estradas recentemente construídas ou reabilitadas não possuem espaços apropriados para a circulação de bicicletas. O exemplo disso é a cidade de Maputo, capital do país, onde o elenco do edil Eneas Comiche, cujo mandato terminou em Fevereiro último, se empenhou muito na reabilitação das vias de acesso, mas nenhuma delas tem lugar concebido para a circulação de bicicletas. Porém, em conferência de imprensa realizada mês passado em Maputo, o Director nacional Adjunto dos Transportes de Superfície, Taibo Issufo, disse que, na elaboração deste projecto, as autoridades pensaram na componente vias de acesso, daí estarem a trabalhar conjuntamente com as autoridades municipais de Maputo e Matola visando a criação de condições para levar a cabo a iniciativa.

Igualmente, ele disse que, com o mesmo propósito, o MTC está a trabalhar com o Ministério das Obras Públicas e Habitações. Entretanto, as empresas interessadas em levar a cabo o projecto dizem que brevemente as bicicletas estão a venda para o público, estando agora o banco a terminar a elaboração das vias a serem usadas para a facilitação do pagamento.

Fonte: Jornal O País Online

***

Estão a ir pelo caminho errado pois solução não passa por vias exclusivas para bicicletas. Recomendo aos responsáveis do MTC e do Município a leitura do artigo de Mário Alves, especialista internacional em transportes, "Como encorajar o uso da bicicleta: que opções?"

Bicycles and Palm Trees

2009-04-24T21:25:00.000-07:00

Seems like paradise! It's Mozambique. Am not sure, but it must be around Xai-Xai or Inhambane, two wonderful beach spots. Another photo from our friend Jorge Vassalo.

Parece o paraiso! É Moçambique. Não estou seguro, mas deve ser na área de Xai-Xai ou Inhanbane, dois fantásticos locais com praia. Mais uma foto do nosso amigo Jorge Vassalo.

BMX Bike Mum

2009-04-08T11:15:00.000-07:00

Jorge Vassalo, from the blog Até Onde Vais com 1000 Euros, was recently in Mozambique and registred this wonderful moment. A BMX Bike Mum.

Face this Copenhagen Mums!

Jorge Vassalo, do blog Até Onde Vais com 1000 Euros, esteve recentemente em Moçambique e tirou esta fantástica foto.

Ora tomem lá, mães de Copenhaga!

Mozambique Cycle Style

2009-03-30T10:40:00.000-07:00

Cycle in the Rain - Big Smile

2009-03-30T10:17:00.000-07:00

A wonderful feeling of freedom
To cycle
To get wet

Such a lovely smile

From Chókwè to Guijá

2009-03-17T06:55:00.000-07:00

A long and nice road to cycle. Even in a rainy day.

Chókwè Catholic Church Celebration

2008-12-08T00:02:00.001-08:00

Hot December in Macia

2008-12-05T21:38:00.000-08:00

Bicycles to Africa

2008-11-19T04:23:00.001-08:00

I want to present you another very interesting project.

It is coming from Denmark and has the following name: Baisikelis.

Baisikelis philosophical starting point is social innovation: to make a difference for people and to give them the possibility of developing professionally and socially. It is based on the belief that the best foreign aid is based on a regular commercial market. A purely subsidized development project will make the African partners completely dependent of donations from other countries.

A solid support in the education and start-up phase, on the other hand, is necessary for enabling the African cooperation partners, the upcoming bicycle mechanics and future entrepreneurs to support themselves.

Check their webpage and inspire yourself!

Bike Town Africa

2008-11-14T21:48:00.000-08:00

Rita called in the morning and said there were some bike people in her office.

Immediately she catches all my attention. It is not difficult. You just have to mention the B word. They were distributing bikes to several persons in Chókwè.

Sadly I was in Maputo and could not meet the persons. She later told me that they were from a project called Bike Town Africa.

A crew of volunteers were preparing to assemble 250 bikes that later were to be distributed in order to to increase the mobility of workers that give nutritional and medical support to AIDS sufferers in Africa.

You can learn more about Bike Town Africa. Read the stories about the trip to Mozambique here and here.

Photos from Just This In Blog - Bicycling

Our Bikes

2008-10-02T08:06:00.000-07:00

You have asked for them. Here you have our bikes.

Rita has a Sawan and I have a Hamilton. Both are bicycles Made in India.

Mozambican stores sell these bikes and here in Chókwè you have hundreds of people with these models pedaling on the streets.

Youngsters prefer the BMX and the racing styles. Older persons and people that work in the agriculture fields prefer the classical model.

It's the Mozambican Cycle Style.

Police on bikes

2008-10-01T21:04:00.000-07:00

Recently some European and North American countries have launched police bike patrols. In Portugal, my homeland, most of the medium and big cities have this and the media is always talking about the advantages of bike patrols. Mozambique has also police on bikes. They make communitarian surveillance and the bikes and training were offered by the USA. Here, a photo taken from the newspaper, they look very modern and ready to pedal and get the bad guys. I would love to see them on the streets.

Two bicycles in Xai-Xai

2008-10-01T02:24:00.000-07:00

Two bicycles in Xai-Xai, very near to the train station. Note that one has a poster saying: "Cuidado Comigo", which means "Be careful with me" or "Don't mess with me".

This message always intrigued me as it can have these two different meanings. It can say: "hey drivers, be careful with me as I am more fragile than you". In Portuguese "Cuidado Comigo" it also can pass the message of a empowered cyclist that is not afraid to take his/her place on the street and affirm him/her self.

At least, it is sure that he/she is communicating with other road users. This is one of the most import things to do while cycling. Communicate, communicate, communicate. It is something very basic to every human being.

Swaziland Cycling Culture

2008-09-29T22:43:00.000-07:00

This weekend we went to The KingdomSwaziland and South Africa, two very beautiful countries close to Mozambique. In Swaziland I did not saw so many cyclists. I believe it is because the country is full of big mountains. Yet some people use it and here is a small exhibition of Swaziland Bike Culture. Did you know that this is one of the smallest countries in Africa?

I will post soon the pictures of South Africa.

A fabulous classical blue bicycle.

Full equipped mountain bikes to cycle in Milwane Natural Reserve. Cycle and see the zebras, impalas, crocodiles, gnus and hippos.

Taking the bicycle by the hand across the typical huts.

A parked cargo bicycle in Manzini.

Cycling by the sugar cane plantations.

Down the road.

Sometimes it is better to take the bicycle by the hand and enjoy the surroundings.

Bike Puzzle

2008-09-23T13:29:00.000-07:00

There is always a solution

2008-09-21T03:55:00.000-07:00

Rita was going to church and noticed that the tires of her Queen Bike were flat. She returned and used my bike.
On the floor, some small mango fruits. The big ones will be ready to eat in December.

Blue sky, never ending road...

2008-09-20T02:40:00.001-07:00

And one bicycle.
So perfect. So simple.

The wonderful bicycles of Maputo

2008-09-16T00:04:00.000-07:00

I am back after some time without posting here. Sorry to all the readers.

So I come back with some photos of people cycling in Maputo, the capital of Mozambique. The city is noise, chaotic and the drivers are not like in Europe. Here you can see all kind of behaviors and overtaking from right or left. Mozambican drivers tend to be very impatient and don't like slow driving. So everything is allowed to get a bit further.

But Maputo has very quiet roads all across the city, usually parallel to the big avenues, that a cyclist can take to avoid the main roads packed with traffic.

You see not so many cyclists as in other small cities, but there are some courageous people. And not all are local people. You can see, from time to time, "molongos" (white people as they say in dialect). Unfortunately I still don't have a photo of that.

So... enjoy these photos of Maputo cyclists.

Cycle taxists in Mozambique

2008-08-30T00:55:00.000-07:00

For the Portuguese readers I suggest the following article that tells about the bicycle taxis community in Quelimane, a city in Zambézia province. It says that the bicycle is the transport more used to carry passengers and merchandize. In a city without public transports the bicycle is the queen. Since 2002 the cycle taxists community has significantly increased and many families have a monthly contract/subscription for the use of this transport.

Moçambique para Todos Blog has published more about it. Read the entire article here and here and see other great photos.

The two photos above are not from the cycle taxists, but just show other examples of how people can manage over here. The first photo shows two boys coming from school and the second photo shows an adult (maybe the father) carrying two children also from school in Inhambane province.

Rastafari Festival in Xai-Xai

2008-08-29T03:53:00.000-07:00

I have taken these photos some time ago, but just now remembered to post it. I was in Xai-Xai and the city was welcoming a Rastafari Festival. There was a good vibe with lots of reggae music, dance and vegetarian food. These two guys have traveled from Maputo to Xai-Xai (more or less 230km) with their gingas. Ginga is the name Mozambicans give to their bicycles. I believe the name is also used in Portugal. Can you confirm?

Classic style in Chókwe

2008-08-28T05:15:00.000-07:00

At the local university in Chókwè style over speed.

Better together

2008-08-27T10:05:00.000-07:00

Sunset at Macarretane is magic. Bicycles crossing the bridge while the light fades away. Women carrying wood and water on their heads. Hippos in the river.

Two in a bicycle is so often seen. Three is also common. Better together.

More pics of Niassa - Mozambique

2008-08-20T22:57:00.000-07:00

Andreas Martins has some amazing pictures on his PhotoCommunity webpage. Please check his work. These two pictures show the north of Mozambique (Niassa Province) where the mountains are breathtaking! Again bicycles are a part of everyday life, of every activity. Let me say that bicycles fit the picture so perfectly. I could not imagine to be other way.

There are more bicycles - but is there more development?

2008-08-20T07:25:00.000-07:00

Há Mais Bicicletas - mas há Desenvolvimento?

There are more bicycles - but is there more development?

This is the name of the book from Joseph Hanlon and Teresa Smart launched in Maputo on the 12th of August.

The book explores the economic situation of Mozambique and presents a critic vision on development. It also makes the connection between the use of bicycles and its role on development. Especially in the centre and north provinces a bicycle is more than just a vehicle. It is a way of creating financial income for the families. A possibility of creating a business, of having a job, of being the boss, making income.

The authors reveal that the number of bicycles has doubled and this fact is seen as a development signal.

Bicycles are a gift for the poor.

***

Since it was created in 11 August 2008, The Mozambique Bike Culture Blog was visited by 209 persons. Many thanks to all and continue checking the pictures and texts. Please leave your comments. Your remarks have been so positive and so strength giving.

It's Summer Time - Chongoene Beach

2008-08-19T22:46:00.000-07:00

It's Summer time and the weather is hot. At least in Europe. Here in Mozambique the hotter days are still to arrive. October, November and December are the month with high temperatures.

This bike seamed abandoned in Chongoene beach. Off course it was not abandoned. A bicycle in Mozambique is a very unique treasure and families plan their lives to have one. No one abandons a bike. Everyone wishes to have one. And the true is that the number of bicycles in Mozambique has doubled. A book was launched the past week and stated this information. I will post more about the book and the increase of cyclists.

School Day - Cycling Day

2008-08-18T12:19:00.000-07:00

Today was school day. The academic calendar is different from Europe and classes are still going on. Many students cycle home to school. Everyday is a cycling day for the lucky ones.

If you don't have a bicycle you can walk one hour or more just to go to school.

With the uniforms they look very handsome. Trousers or skirts, shoes or snickers, white shirts and ties.

It's lunch time and with a bike everything becomes much quicker. You can also stop anytime and check what is going on the other side of the road or have a little chat with a friend.

Stoping for a picture

2008-08-15T10:40:00.000-07:00

I was coming home with my camera and lost all the shame and just asked: "Good afternoon, can I take you a picture?" The answer was positive and here is the result.

Mozambicans are very friendly and immediately another man stopped and said: "Can you take me also a picture?" No was an impossible word. I had to wait until he was prepared with the radio he took from the jacket. More style and happiness are impossible.

Bananas on Bikes

2008-08-14T12:23:00.000-07:00

Two men carrying bananas and caniços (a kind of sticks that are used to build houses, fences and roofs). A bike can be a very helpful tool of transport and to transport goods. People here use theirs bikes proudly. Like in Copenhagen they make them personal. Some times they even give it names. A new bike costs around 2600 meticais (more or less 50 euros), an amount that is very much to most of families’ incomes. Therefore a bike is sometimes a medium and long time wish and families try to save some money to buy it.

Riding in Chókwè

2008-08-14T10:23:00.000-07:00

Chókwè is a very nice city to live and a quiet place for bikes. Everyday hundreds of cyclists flood the streets like ants going to do their jobs, playing their roles. Many women go to sell fruit and vegetables in the market or going to take care of the small farms where the tasteful papayas, tomatoes, lettuces and corn. You can find all types of bikes. Even some race and BMX bikes! I would like to post some photos of it soon. Here you can see two cyclists at the Independence Square very near to the water channel that brings water from the Limpopo River to the agriculture fields. Women just are so stylish riding their bikes with the capulanas skirts!

Family bike

2008-08-11T23:27:00.000-07:00

On the road to Zongoene beach, a father and his son stand on the side of the sand road and let us pass. Everyone is very friendly and wave to to us with a simple and authentic smile. Children just love to see the white people. They say: "Molungo!" It means "white" in the local dialect. On the 45m journey we see many lovely villages and lots of bikes. In these remote villages a bicycle can realy make the difference. Going to the market to sell fruit, wood, clothes, vegetables, carring a elder person to the hospital, going to see the family in another vilage, going to school or work.

This is the first photo of The Mozambique Bike Cukture Blog where I would like to picture the everyday cycling in Mozambique. Keep checking this blog. I would love to receive your comments.