Unveiling Rural Cycling Realities: A Comprehensive Analysis of Gender Impacts, Socio-Economic Factors, and Cultural Dynamics in Sub-Saharan Africa

This paper addresses the research gap in understanding cycling mobility culture in rural areas, specifically focusing on gender impacts in Sub-Saharan Africa. The study explores the daily mobility decisions of rural cyclists in Rwanda, considering socio-economic, cultural, and psychological factors. Key objectives include assessing the impact of daily activities on men's and women's cycling decisions, collecting spatial data through GPS trackers, and identifying gender challenges through Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). The literature review highlights the role of psychological, socio-economic, and cultural factors in cycling decisions, emphasizing the scarcity of research on the psychological aspect. Existing studies in Sub-Saharan Africa reveal the influence of cultural norms on transportation planning, particularly neglecting women's mobility needs. The paper employs a mixed-method approach, utilizing GPS trackers and FGDs, to analyze mobility patterns in Bugesera and Rubavu districts, Rwanda. Results indicate a higher prevalence of bicycle ownership in Bugesera than in Rubavu, with income levels and gender influencing ownership patterns. Spatial analysis of the built environment unveils diverse cycling patterns, Bugesera features more unpaved roads, leading to variations in cycling speed, time, and length compared to Rubavu. Safety concerns are identified, and cycling power output analysis indicates terrain-related challenges, impacting gender-based cycling decisions. The study also unveils cultural norms and psychological barriers affecting women's cycling choices. The interdisciplinary analysis encompasses socio-economic, built environment, safety, cycling power, and psychological perspectives. Findings contribute valuable insights for policymakers, emphasizing the need for inclusive transportation policies and challenging cultural norms to promote sustainable cycling culture in rural areas.