Hero

In the city of Beira, Mozambique, thousands of people use the bicycle as their primary means of transportation. For some, the bicycle contributes significantly to their income as a tool for transporting goods and services. For others, the bicycle is a means of transportation in order to get to work.

Baisikeli, a Danish bicycle company is importing and restoring recycled bicycles from Europe. It helps to improve the quality and durability of the bicycles in Beira and also create jobs for the local people.

Joao Paulo Dagloria

‘Cycling is my passion. I’m among the six riders representing the Mozambican National Cycling Team but my big dream is to become a trainer and to create major cycling talents here in Beira.’

Sonja & Farah Nazaret

‘The sun is really hot down here, especially in the mid-afternoon. Previously I walked to school and to the market. Now I can take the bike, which means that I do not have to be in the sun for a longer period of time.’

Emidio Timoteo Sibinde

‘No one has a bike like me in Mozambique. Therefore, I take very good care of it. The reason why the saddle is removed, is so that no one takes a trip without asking me for permission first.’

Baisikeli set up their own workshop just outside Beira. It educates bike mechanics and repairs the old european bikes for resale.

The bicycle ´Hero´ is the most classic and widely used bike in Beira. Imported from China and India, the Hero bike is easily affordable. Unfortunately, the Hero bike is bad quality and has a tendency to break down regularly.

Justino Afonso

‘I bought the bike last year, I had to settle for this silver one. It is of a fine quality, but I really dream to have my own racing bike.’