Bicycles are composed of wheels, handlebar, seat, pedals, transmission system, fork, and brakes. However, the heart of the bicycle is its frame, a structure designed to support loads and provide rigidity. Traditionally made of aluminum, steel, or carbon fiber, this component has evolved thanks to the use of a material that surprises with its properties: bamboo.
Bamboo Bike (photo: Javier Trespalacios)
Bamboo: The Green Gold of Sustainable Development
Native to tropical regions, bamboo is widely cultivated in Southeast Asia (China, India, Vietnam), Latin America (Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil), and some regions of Africa, such as Madagascar. This woody plant, which grows at an impressive rate (within 5-6 years), can reach heights of up to 30 meters. Its environmental impact is significant: it absorbs 35% more CO₂ than average trees, making it a key ally in the fight against climate change.
Bamboo bicycle and details of its parts (photos: Javier Trespalacios)
This "vegetal steel" is integrated into various industries such as construction, furniture design, fashion, gastronomy, and sustainable mobility. Its flexibility, strength, and lightness make it an ideal material for bike frames, capable of absorbing vibrations better than many metals, offering a smoother ride even on uneven terrain. Its performance is comparable to that of carbon fiber, with the advantage of being renewable and biodegradable. Bamboo bikes are not a recent innovation; the first recorded model dates back to 1894 in the United States, proving the sustainability and reliability of this material.
Wecker Bambusvelo: art and ecology in Switzerland
In Basel, the company Wecker Bambusvelo offers alternatives that are different from the usual for urban cycling. Their bikes, made of bamboo, stand out for their design and have become a symbol of responsibility and environmental awareness. Each model is not only a work of art but also a sustainable mode of transportation that helps reduce the carbon footprint, from its production to daily use.
Wecker Bambusvelo, Basel (photo: Javier Trespalacios)
Impact on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The manufacture and use of bamboo bikes directly contribute to several SDGs:
SDG 1 - No Poverty: Companies like Ghana Bamboo Bikes create local jobs, particularly for women and youth in rural communities, thus reducing economic inequalities.
SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being: Cycling promotes regular physical activity, preventing cardiovascular diseases and improving mental health.
SDG 5 - Gender Equality: Projects like Vélo Cuba train women in bike manufacturing, strengthening their economic empowerment.
SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production: Bamboo is 100% biodegradable, and its cultivation requires less energy and water than conventional materials, according to Bamboocycles (Mexico).
SDG 13 - Climate Action: It generates less CO₂ to produce the final product and encourages cycling as a mode of transport, contributing to international climate agreements.
SDG 15 - Life on Land: Sustainably managed bamboo plantations help preserve biodiversity, restore degraded soils, and mitigate deforestation.
SDG 1, SDG 3, SDG 5, SDG 11, SDG 13, SDG 15 (Sustainable Development Goals)
Conclusion: pedaling towards a green future
Bamboo bikes are not just a means of transport; they symbolize innovation, inclusion, and respect for the planet. From Switzerland to Ghana, these initiatives prove that sustainability can be tangible, effective, and accessible.
"Bamboo is not just a plant; it's a tool to change lives", Bernice Dapaah, founder of Ghana Bamboo Bikes.
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