Petrol price hike: Kano residents dump cars for bicycles

Some residents of Kano have abandoned their cars to embrace trekking, bicycles, electric bikes, and commercial tricycles for mobility as petrol price increased to N1,150 in the state.

There were fewer cars on the road while many pedestrians, bicycle riders, and electric bike users were seen on Sunday, November 10, 2024.

One of the pedestrians, Sani Isa, said the cost of mobility has increased significantly as tricycle operators doubled their fares to reflect the new pump price.

Isa said the situation had affected him adversely because he now spends at least N1,200 daily on transportation.

Isa said he resorted to the use of a bicycle because it is cheaper and affordable.

A student, Aminu Ishaq, who rides a bicycle to Kano State Polytechnic daily, said it is a big relief to his aged parents who cannot afford the high cost of transport.

“I don’t waste time waiting for a tricycle. I am always in school on time. I am full of energy,” Ishaq said.

A civil servant, Muhammad Sadiq, said he has adjusted to breaking his journey to the office by trekking halfway to the Federal Secretariat before boarding a commercial tricycle.

Abuja residents opt for trekking over transport fare hike

Sadiq stated: “What I do now is to break my movement; trek to a point then take Keke from there. I will save at least N300.

“Since the increase in petrol pump price, many riders packed their tricycle and went into other businesses.”

Another resident, Ali Abdullahi, also said he had abandoned his vehicle for an electric bike since the increase in the petrol pump price.

“I have two cars. I sold one and bought an electric motorcycle for N900,000 which is easier to maintain,” Abdullahi told NAN.

A businessman, Tasi’u Murtala, who disclosed that he bought an electric motorcycle recently, said he spends N5,000 daily to fuel his car.

According to him, he bought the electric bike for N750, 000 which is cost-effective.

“When the motorcycle is fully charged, it covers 60km before its battery runs down. I use electricity, solar, or a generator set to recharge it daily,” Murtala stated.

The Star