Investigating bicycle riding as a means of green mobilityin Mubi metropolis, Nigeria

Nuhu H. Tini* & Ahmed Bello

Department of Geography, Adamawa State University Mubi, Nigeria

Abstract

The growing concerns about environmental sustainability and urban congestion have necessitated the promotion of green mobility options to become imperative in modern urban planning. This research explores the potential of bicycles as a sustainable transportation option in the Mubi metropolis, considering its unique geographical, socio-economic, and cultural context. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study gathered qualitative and quantitative data to understand local perceptions, attitudes, and barriers toward bicycle adoption. The findings revealed that the majority of the respondents frequently ride bicycles for various purposes, such as exercise, commuting to work, markets, farms, and schools. Bicycle ownership was found to be higher among the unemployed, but its ridership was greater among the employed. Males were more likely to own and ride bicycles than females. Affordability, health benefits, and congestion avoidance were identified as the top reasons for choosing cycling over other modes of transport. The research also highlighted several challenges associated with bicycle riding, including unsafe parking spaces, theft cases, accidents, injuries, and poor infrastructure conditions. To overcome these challenges, the study suggested measures such as wearing helmets, obeying road signals, and improving road design and safety measures. The research offers valuable insights for policymakers and urban planners in Mubi and similar regions to develop strategies that promote bicycle usage while addressing traffic congestion and air pollution. By advocating bicycle riding as a green mobility alternative, this research aims to improve the overall livability, health, and sustainability of the Mubi metropolis. It also serves as a potential model for other cities facing similar environmental and transportation challenges, contributing to the development of sustainable mobility plans that prioritize environmentally friendly transportation options. Ultimately, the study strives to inspire a transformation towards a greener, more resilient urban transportation system in Mubi and beyond.

Keywords

bicycle; green mobility; livability; sustainability; Mubi metropolis.

References

1. Aldred, R. (2015). Adults’Attitudes Towards Child Cycling: A Study of the Impact of Infrastructure. Eur. J. Transp. Infrastruct. Res. 15, 92–115.
2. Aldred, R., Best, L., Jones, P., 2017. Cyclists in Shared Bus Lanes: Could There Be Unrecognized Impacts on Bus Journey Times? Published Ahead of Print. ICE: Transport. http://www.icevirtuallibrary.com/doi/abs/10.1680/jtran.16.00072.
3. Buehler. R., Hamre, A., Sonenklar, D., & Goger, P. (2009). Trends and Determinants of Cycling in the Washington, DC Region. Mid – Atlantic Universities Transportation Centre, Region III.
4. Chen, P., Shen, Q., 2016. Built Environment Effects on Cyclist Injury Severity in Automobile-Involved Bicycle
5. Crashes. Accid. Anal. Prev. 86, 239–246.
6. Coulon J. (2020, September 19). New Study Says Bicycles Are the Future of Urban Transportation. https://www.bicycling.com/news/a30518994/ deloitte-2020-study-bicycle-transportation/.
7. Gregory, Bruno (2021). Predicting Winners in Cycling Races with Machine Learning. https://brunogregory.medium.com/.
8. Koeppel, Dan (January–February 2007). “Flight of the Pigeon”. Bicycling. Vol. 48, No. 1. Rodale. pp. 60–66. ISSN 0006-2073. Retrieved 28 January 2012.
9. Norcliffe, Glen (2001-05-15). Ride to Modernity: The Bicycle in Canada, 1869-1900 by Mass Market Paperback – January 1, 1726. https://www.amazon.com/Ride-Modernity-1869-1900-Norcliffe-2001-05-15/dp/B01FJ12SZ4.
10. Pucher, J. and Buehler, R. (2008). Making Cycling Irresistible: Lessons from the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany. Transport Reviews, Vol. 28, No. 4, July 2008.
11. Preise and Auszeichnungen (October, 2015). Designing Our Own Hedkayse Unique Cycling Helmet. ZDFmediathek Series Tatort Best Presented – xworldse.online.
12. Pucher, J. & Dijkstra, L. (2003). Promoting Safe Walking and Cycling to Improve Public Health: Lessons from the Netherlands and Germany. American Journal of Public Health, October 2003, 93(9) DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.93.9.1509.
13. Rivara F, Thompson D, Thompson R. (2015). Epidemiology of Bicycle Injuries and Risk Factors for Serious Injury. 1997. Injury Prevention. 2015; 21(1):47–51. [PubMed: 25609752].
14. Parkiteer (2016). Bicycle Network. https://www.bicyclenetwork.com.au/general/programs/370/. Accessed January 17, 2017.
15. Preising, Laura (2023). Riding the Green Wave: Exploring the Role of Bicycles and Digital Tools in the Green Mobility Transition. 02.20.23: https://en.reset.org/.
16. Pucher, J. & Buehler, R. (2008). Cycling for Everyone: Lessons from Europe. Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board, 2008. 2074: 58–65.
17. Santos, Adella; McGuckin, Nancy; Nakamoto, Hikari Yukiko (2011). Summary of Travel Trends: 2009 National Household Travel Survey. https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/50506
18. Shaheen, S.; Zhang, H.; Martin, E.; Guzman, S. (2011). “China’s Hangzhou Public Bicycle”(PDF). Transportation Research Record. 2247: 33-41.
19. Sustainable Review (July 27, 2022). How Cycling Contributes to New Climate Conversation. https://sustainablereview.com/
20. TPA (2016). Feasibility Study for the Expansion of Bike Share Toronto. https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2020/pa/bgrd/backgroundfile-145374.pdf.
21. WHO (October 5, 2022) Physical Activity. https://www.who.int/news-room/.