EgyCycle bringing cycling to Egypt

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EgyCycle bringing cycling to Egypt

Post by DJKeefy »

It has become a cliche to make jokes about Cairo traffic congestion. The issue has been pervasive for years and no solid solutions have been presented. While it might not be a solution for everyone, one option is to encourage cycling, a healthy and carbon-free alternative.

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The EgyCycle initiative started like many others, with a small group of friends who enjoy bicycling. “People started liking the idea and wanted to join us, so we thought about starting the group EgyCycle,” said Amir Khattab, EgyCycle director.

Beginning in 2010, EgyCycle came to life and started holding an event every Friday.

“Our events are non-competitive sports events since our mission is to make people aware of the benefits of cycling for the environment and physical well-being,” Khattab said.

Once more people are interested in cycling as a lifestyle, they will begin planning and organising races, he said.

Weekly rides kick off at 7.30am from Zamalek, Heliopolis, Maadi, 6th of October City, New Cairo and Al-Rehab.

“We head to tourist attractions or entertainment venues and usually do a fun activity afterwards as a group,” he said.

EgyCycle also organises cycling trips to other cities, like Ismailia, Fayoum, Ain Sokhna and even Aswan, usually starting in July until September.

The shortest trips are those to Ismailia and Fayoum, which only take three to four hours, whereas the longest one is to Aswan and takes up to 20 days. Khattab said participants usually camp along the way and that EgyCycle provides them with all they need.

“There’s usually a bus accompanying the participants equipped with everything they could need on their way,” Khattab said, adding that there is always an accompanying doctor.

Not anyone can participate in the cycling trips, since it takes a lot of practice and strength. Before going on the trip to Aswan, participants have to pass an examination to prove that they can handle weeks-long trip.

“If the participant is not a member of the group, he or she has to go through more than one examination,” Khattab said.

Anyone can participate in the weekly events of EgyCycle, even if they don’t have a bike. Those interested just have to purchase a ticket before and they are given a bike before the event.

Source: http://www.dailynewsegypt.com/2013/06/1 ... -to-egypt/


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Re: EgyCycle bringing cycling to Egypt

Post by LovelyLadyLux »

Can Cairenes ride a bike without a horn cause they sure can't drive cars in Cairo without a horn! :o :P :P
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Re: EgyCycle bringing cycling to Egypt

Post by Dusak »

No problem if they have no bike as they will be given one on lone. :up Good in theory, but bad practice wise I should think as most would keep on peddling until they reach their garden shed to keep it in. :td I would love to see a number of folk here in Luxor just attempting to get their leg over the cross bar, let alone peddle the thing. One good point in this is that over the years I've advised quite a few to 'get on your bike'' for various reasons. Now, with a bit of luck, some of these individuals will partake in these perilous peddling pursuit's and head out West. :vs
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Re: EgyCycle bringing cycling to Egypt

Post by Chocolate Eclair »

The Egycycle, wow!! must buy one for me and one for my wife, I will have the hard Boiled one!!
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Re: EgyCycle bringing cycling to Egypt

Post by Dusak »

This is serious Choc, no yoking matter. People will have to shell out a lot for these things. The price could be a bit close to the grain for some. I can hear some saying ''how clucking much!'' as they have to scratch about to find the extra, what I see, poultry amount needed. Another bird brained idea if you ask me. I just hope they can re-coup their losses. Of course, as with everything here in Egypt, there will bound to be a pecking order so this could lead to a shortage, which could put many in a foul mood. This is the problem when people put all their eggs into one basket. It usually turns out to be a flight of fancy in most cases.
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Re: EgyCycle bringing cycling to Egypt

Post by Bullet Magnet »

Bike's too much like hard work...

Give me my Honda Accord any day of the week.... :up LPG powered and oly 62 pence a litre.. :cool:

Almost as cheap as a bike to run.. :tk

Distance to work = 40 miles

Energy requirements for bike, = 1 X bacon and Black pudding bap ( with HP sauce) per 10 miles
( bacon and Black pudding bap ( with HP sauce) = £2.20)
£2.20 X 4 = £8.80

Car energy requirements at 40 MPG = 4.54 Litres LPG @ .62p per litre = £2.18 !!!
That's cheaper than 1 Bacon and Black pudding bap !!


So, I can in effect, Drive to liverpool and consume 3 Bacon and Black Pudding baps on the way, and still be 2 pence better off !! . :cg
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Re: EgyCycle bringing cycling to Egypt

Post by Chocolate Eclair »

Brilliant "D" :lol: :lol:
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Re: EgyCycle bringing cycling to Egypt

Post by Dusak »

Although I rarely disagree with you BM, on this occasion I will have to. I ran an old bike once and she cost me a bleedin' fortune, drank far to much stout. Unfortunately Choc I can't take credit for this one as some old bird I met in Luxor by the name of Henrietta relayed it to me. At first I just accepted it as some cock and bull story until I read Keefy's post although the younger looking chick she was with stated that she too had heard it when she was perched on the corniche wall while combing her hair. She looked as if she had just gained a feather in her cap while relaying the story although I didn't take to kindly to her doing her doodling on the wall while she was telling me this. They both agreed that cycling was far better than being cooped up inside all the time.
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Re: EgyCycle bringing cycling to Egypt

Post by Bullet Magnet »

I guess bikes cant be all that bad, they were an interim form of transport for me until I was old enough to drive.
Funnily enough, I saw Jesus on a bike in Leeds street in Liverpool, full health and safety gear as well. :tk
He pulled up along side me as I was waiting at the traffic lights, and asked me to do something for him, before cycling off..
"Christ on a Bike" ??? I thought to myself.. He's an OK chap really, despite the appearance.. :cg
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Re: EgyCycle bringing cycling to Egypt

Post by HEPZIBAH »

When I first started visiting Luxor there seemed to be many local men that cycled around. I think the cycles of many of them had served a few generations of the family! In recent years I don't recall seeing so many local cyclists - only over enthusiastic tourists. So, if the younger generation of Luxor men have moved on to mini motorbikes, where are all the old bicycles hidden? With the increasing shortages of petrol, they may well come back into their own!
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Re: EgyCycle bringing cycling to Egypt

Post by Hafiz »

Their intake of pollution whilst cycling will be a health hazard to add to the risks of death or disability.

Cycling in Egypt is hazardous not only because of traffic but also the poor road surface although I think that there was some type of one off road racing in Luxor a few years ago. Can't see any future (other than a dangerous future) in cycling in the cities.

There is a serious bike club in Cairo (expats and locals) and a specialist bike shop (in Maadi I think) who do Friday morning comps. and some trips outside Cairo. Imported bikes are seriously expensive.

I'm a bike crank so the next 21 days from Sunday will be Tour de France late night TV.
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Re: EgyCycle bringing cycling to Egypt

Post by Dusak »

Hafiz wrote:Their intake of pollution whilst cycling will be a health hazard to add to the risks of death or disability.

Cycling in Egypt is hazardous not only because of traffic but also the poor road surface although I think that there was some type of one off road racing in Luxor a few years ago. Can't see any future (other than a dangerous future) in cycling in the cities.

There is a serious bike club in Cairo (expats and locals) and a specialist bike shop (in Maadi I think) who do Friday morning comps. and some trips outside Cairo. Imported bikes are seriously expensive.

I'm a bike crank so the next 21 days from Sunday will be Tour de France late night TV.
Quite true as its a well known fact that if you attempt to straddle any of the old, rickety bikes that are available in Luxor, you are, in most cases, placing your life in their hands. The disability's of these contraptions are usually easily observed by way of a blue badge with a cynical wheeled chair logo on it. But they still seem to retain their popularity with a certain section of Luxor's population. ;)
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