Bicycle Shop

There are at least two new bicycle shops here in Zomba where a bicycle can be built. I say built because one can  choose not only color of frame, but also type of  tire, seat,  handlebar, grip, fender, etc.  Plus there are many extras available including reflectors, streamers, baskets and bells. Bicycle owners are usually men, but there are some women drivers. Women passengers usually ride sidesaddle. 

Because bicycles in Malawi are what motor vehicles are in the US, the major movers of people and goods, it only makes sense that there are many bicycle repair shops here in Malawi. Even little communities in rural areas  have small repair shops. As we traveled far out into rural villages today on our way to Mbwana for a workshop, we passed  several of these along the way. There is no need for a sign. Just look for an upside down bicycle along the roadside. 

Some  shops can fix a flat while others are better equipped for major repairs. The smaller ones with a few  inner  tubes and chains  displayed on a sheet of plastic may be under the overhanging branches of a shady mango tree. The larger ones will have wooden posts for support, a grass roof and a stall where repairs are done.

Every imaginable bicycle part will be hung along the lengths of twine stretched between the poles and on nails along the shop's back wall.  I had never imagined that a bicycle could be reduced to that many parts. 

Bicycles are also service vehicles. At every major intersection -  dirt road juncture- and in front of downtown grocery stores are  fleets of independently owned bicycle taxis, all parked in a row, available to those who can afford the fare.  Some bicycles are all dressed up with colorful plastic streamers, bells, and reflectors, but at a minimum, these taxis have a well cushioned vinyl seat over the back tire and a little license tag on the back fender.

Bicycles are the major transporters of goods to tiny shops out in rural areas. We often see cases of Coke, milk, bread, and other goods piled high on the back of a bicycle. Traveling through downtown Zomba recently was a bicycle loaded with furniture. It looked like moving day on the back of a bicycle.