The issues related to mobility and ecology are beginning to arise in Algeria where traffic is increasing in the main cities. In Annaba, an association is advocating to make cycling a true way of life. Its members organize activities to encourage residents of all ages to ride bicycles.
Mobility # 3
Annaba, the ancient Hippone, is today a leading industrial and tourist hub. Every day, thousands of cars circulate in the large Bône agglomeration. However, a small group of enthusiasts has taken the bet to change their mode of transport. In August 2022, they created Annaba Bike City, an association that promotes the use of bicycles. “The creation of our association stemmed from a very simple observation: the city in which we live has assets to be a leading cycling space, just like Amsterdam, Copenhagen, or Strasbourg,” explains Bilal Guerfi, president of Annaba Bike City.
The enthusiasm is immediate. The association welcomes more than 70 members during the first year. “What is interesting is the different categories of members. 70% are over 35 years old, which means that the goal of raising awareness among adults has been achieved. Our vision is to make cycling a way of life, more than a leisure activity or a means of exercising,” notes Bilal.
The president also highlights the interest of women in cycling. “I must say they are particularly active in our association. Within the board, there are three women and four men, but they are in the majority during the activities we organize. This is especially true for weekend outings. Today, in the city, it is not uncommon to see women riding bicycles, which was quite rare in the past. We consider this a great success,” he says.
A Major Potential
Bilal Guerfi emphasizes the many assets of Annaba: “its generally quite flat terrain in its urban area, the relatively short distances between each municipality, and a major tourist potential with beaches and lakes located near urban centers.” The association has big plans. It has developed a strategy for 492 km² in which it envisions creating a vast cycling network offering clean mobility options for several tens of thousands of residents. “This network has significant tourist value, as it will connect the three main lakes in the region. These wetlands host many migratory birds, some of which are rare species,” emphasizes Bilal. The projects are not just developed; the association puts them into practice. It has succeeded in becoming a listened-to social actor by presenting a cycling path project to the Annaba municipality. “Local authorities have allocated a budget for the construction of paths in two major thoroughfares: the Safsaf Boulevard and the Ifrikia Boulevard. We are collaborating with a study office on this project, particularly regarding compliance with specific standards. The first sections will be delivered during the year 2025,” proudly states Bilal.
Working by Bike
Annaba Bike City quickly launched initiatives to make cycling a way of life. Bike to work has been developed by a group led by Akram Ferdjine. “The concept is to encourage employees to commute to work daily by bike. The distances are recorded using an application that is downloaded on the participants' smartphones. You just need to activate the app at the start and stop it once you arrive at your workplace. The same goes for the return. We have remote access to the data, which allows us to accurately calculate the distances traveled. The most regular participants receive encouragement gifts. The goal of this initiative is to raise genuine awareness, so that people understand that cycling is an excellent means of transport for health while being eco-friendly,” indicates Akram. In one year, these workers have traveled a distance of over 10,000 km.
In the Light of Dynamos
The flagship activity of the association is the Festival of Lights by bike. For this event, residents are invited to ride bicycles and decorate them with lamps to then join a large parade through the city. “We wanted people who have bikes, even in poor condition, to repair them and join us for an evening. It’s a festival that attracts a lot of people; we had more than 2000 during the last edition. We even had cycling associations from Tunisia and received requests for participation from groups from Libya and other Arab countries,” says Bilal Guerfi. This festival, now in its third year, takes place on June 3 in celebration of International Bicycle Day. The members of Annaba Bike City have long-term goals. By 2030, they plan to launch 150 kilometers of cycling paths, five international events, 15 active micro-enterprises, and want to participate in the creation of 10 associations.
Featured Photo: Bike to work encourages employees to commute to work daily by bike @association Annaba Bike City