A Winning Partnership

Bike Town Africa, 6 May 2009

About Bike Town Africa

Probably one of the greatest aspects of BikeTown Africa is that it doesn't stand on its own but relies on partnership.

It began with a simple idea from the then-editor of Bicycling USA, who realised that BikeTown USA could be replicated in developing countries to great effect. He happened to be a friend of someone who worked for Bristol Myers Squibb and together, the two of them came up with BikeTown Africa. This was a bit of a spin on BikeTown as it was known to date but, Bicycling, with its editorial content, and Bristol Myers Squibb with its Secure the Future Foundation, were a perfect fit. And oh yes, let's not forget about the bike company which made the whole thing possible and custom designed the Africabike - Kona!

So, the project started three years ago and if you?re reading this, there?s no reason to recount the whole history, as you already know it. Since the onset of the project the biggest obstacle has been to raise funds for the shipping and clearing charges for the bikes. It wasn't until this year that, despite the economy, UTI (who we've worked with in the past) suggested that they handle the door-to-door delivery - what they do best. These guys laid on their support thick, saying - This is what we do and if we handle the door-to-door, the process will be more efficient and effective for everyone involved - and oh by the way, we won't charge you for it.

Can it be true?! Yes it is - UTI have committed to delivering all the Kona Africabikes that are going to health care workers this year. So, what does this commitment amount to? In real terms, transport can be half the cost of getting a bicycle landed in a country, so financially the support is huge. And this in turn amounts to a more sustainable and streamlined delivery of bicycles overall. We have added a link in the chain (pun intended) that has brought transport to so many health care workers each year. And UTI's commitment won't go unnoticed by the health care workers in Tanzania and South Africa - who are next in line to receive the bicycles this year and therefore be better equipped to provide adequate service to their patients.

For more info on UTI, click here