On this year’s World Bicycle Day, we highlight the story of Arthur Gitu, a Safaricom staffer based in Malindi shop.
Arthur took up cycling back in 2020 as a way to have fun, and to improve his physical and mental health. He currently cycles to and from work, a total of 6.2km both ways, though over the weekends he goes as far as 100km to nearby towns like Watamu and Kilifi. He saves a lot of money in terms of fuel and parking, and he also gets to protect the environment in his small capacity since bicycles are completely polution free.
Arthur terms cycling as his anti-depressant since it has seen him out of some stressful episodes of his life. Since he started cycling, he has seen quite an improvement in his mental health. It is also quite a morale booster and by the time he gets to work, he usually has extra energy for the day. He has since dropped some kilos that he was determined to drop to get his physical health in check.
John’s longest cycling distance is a 200km circuit between Machakos, Wote, Makindu and Salama when he was working in Machakos. This was under the inspiring ‘Fit For 2020’ challenge which was powered by Safaricom, where participants got to win prizes as well as airtime. Safaricom has also helped Arthur through his cycling journey by highlighting his story, and this gives more inspiration to continue doing what he does.
Arthur’s cycling endevours are not without challenges, chief among them lack of cycling lanes on our roads. This obviously poses a danger to the cyclists and exposes them to discrimination and belittling by vehicle drivers many of whom do not have the discipline to overtake cyclists from the recommended 1.5 meters. Some of the terrain in the country is also not friendly to cyclists, especially on roads with potholes. … would like to beseech the government to incorporate cycling lanes as they build new roads since Kenyans are embracing cycling more and more.
There is also quite a bit of insecurity, and bikes get stolen, so he would also wish to request Government to improve on security.
Cycling is one of the best ways to manage physical and mental health, as well as protect the environment since it is a zero-emission sport. We laud Arthur and other cyclists for being among the many Kenyans who are making it more and more popular in the country.