Moosa Angamia is the owner of first bicycle shop in Botswana. His father established Gabronoe Garage Cycles in 1948. He took his family business after his school in 1995 when his father got ill. Since then, he has successfully operated the shop. He remembers the time when the shop was the only bicycle shop in the country.

It was 14th February. Oops! It was Valentines Day. Then, I hadn’t noticed that as well. I have been to Gabronoe Garage Cycle to fix problem with tailor. I got a chance to have friendship with a charming young man. While his employee fixed my tailor, he showed me pictures of famous cyclist around the world he has met which also included a former Nepali cyclist- Puskar Shah. He likes to help people and I felt it as he generously and courteously helped me repair my brake upon my request on 16th when the shop was closed on Saturday. He not only helped me on his off day but also didn’t charge me, rather he gifted me a sunglass.

On 16th, I left Botswana Hindu Society to the city of Gaborone. After 3 Km of ride, the front tyre of by bicycle burst and I even did not carry the tools and spare parts that day. I had to carry my bike back to Hindu Society and replace it with the spare tyre I had. Then, I went to another young enthusiastic cyclist who is a part of one of the biggest bicycle wholesaler in Botswana.

Dinesh Kumar is the Managing Director of Kitgroup. The company is authorized to wholesale many world-class recognized brands. I had a chance to spent some good time and share precious talks regarding bicycle and cycling in Botswana. He is also a cyclist and often hits the road with his bicycles. The social charity his organization makes includes providing cycles to kids who are unable to go to school in the countrysides. He added tubeless technology to both of my bicycle tyres. Now, I am sure a lot of problems on my way ahead will be reduced. He also encouraged me to do some more on cycling back in my country and assured me to provide assistance needed. I am humbled.

With the information I got from these friends, I am sharing about cycling in Botswana.

Cycling in Botswana

“The president of Botswana loves bicycle and cycling.” Kumar made me happy with the information.

Recent trend show the growth of cycling and increment in developing bicycle friendly roads. It was no the situation some times earlier. Many roads still lack bicycle friendly spaces.

In the past in Botswana, cycling was limited to wage class people for mobility, but the growth has been noticed in the terms of hobby, recreation, fitness and consciousness towards environment.

“Not only Batswan, but cyclist from different part of the world often visit Botswana.” Moosa shares his experience.

Promotional campaign too have been increased. Kids or professionals, everyone is interested in cycling. As a result 4 different cycling clubs operate in Gaborone. Unlike other part of Africa, cyclists are treated with respect in Botswana. ” It is a 50-50 percentage chance that you will be treated in road- good or bad.” Shares Kumar who is also a cyclist.

It is a pleasure to know that Botswana has various groups that advocates the goodness of cycles, explain health benefits, issues regarding environment and adresses traffic problems and puts forward biccles as a effective solution.

Nothing compares the joy of having to know like minded people and their effort to protect environment and promote cycling.

PEDALING FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

Furtemba Sherpa