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Many in Beirut have bet on an increase in bicycle sales due to the economic crisis, but two-wheelers are still rare in the Lebanese capital. Old habits die hard.

When Marc Mouzawak first rode a bicycle to go to work in Hamra, his relatives called him insane. “It is not part of the Lebanese culture, but I decided to challenge this mindset because the bicycle is an eco-friendly and healthy means of transportation,” says the man who never drove a car again. This 36-year-old snowboarder now spends 15 minutes on the road, instead of 60. 12 years later, Mouzawak realized that the bicycle is now more popular, although not popular enough in the capital.

When the crisis struck, many professionals and bikers predicted that bicycles would replace cars, given that fuel had become too expensive for most people. Noubar Korjikian, owner of a bicycle shop in Beirut, explains that “although fuel prices have increased, very few people bought bicycles here.” Since 2019, Korjikian’s sales have decreased threefold: only a few select clients – mostly well-off young people below 30 – visit his shop.

In Beirut, cyclists are forced to ride alongside cars, for lack of proper bicycle lanes.

Habits Unchanged

The bicycle seller ascribes low sales in Beirut to traffic hazards and the capital’s geography. However, according to 33-year-old tour guide, Karim Sokhn, the main reason is linked to the people’s mindset. Unlike other countries like the Netherlands, bicycles in Lebanon were never perceived as a potential replacement for cars. “People love their cars here, it is part of their culture, and it’s gonna take a whole generation to change that,” he admits with some frustration.

In 2012, Sokhn started a company that promoted the use of two-wheelers in the country. He explains: “It all stems from my passion. I used to ride my bicycle to university and people wondered why. That’s when I realized I had to spread awareness.” Eleven years later, he lost hope. Many of the initiatives Sokhn had in mind failed, including the one aiming to establish a bicycle delivery system. Karim Sokhn is convinced that it will take decades for the Lebanese people to switch to bicycles. “We tried time and time again to change this mindset when the country was at its peak economically. What is there to be done now?”, he wonders.

Aside from the popularity of cars, the Lebanese know little about protection or the benefits of two-wheelers. Noubar Korjikian states that “traffic laws are disregarded. Many vehicles are driven recklessly, which discourages potential cyclists.” He adds that, for many, bicycles are a sign of poverty and thus belong to the lower classes of society.

Companies and associations actively endeavour to change the mentality and raise awareness on the perks of cycling in Lebanon.

Weekly Training

In an effort to alter mindsets, a company renting electric bicycles through monthly subscriptions has put in place free weekly training to teach participants how to ride. “The people’s first impression is that cycling is dangerous because there are no bicycle lanes, but once they learn a few tricks, they quickly realize that it’s not the case,” says Joyce Hamze, head of communications. The company also has an application that shows users the safest routes in Beirut. Other associations also endeavour to promote bike culture through workshops, street art, and collective projects.

Such activities aim to make up for the State’s lack of action, as no measures have ever been taken by the Beirut municipality to popularize bicycles. Korjikian highlights the fact that “this means of transportation is not profitable for the government, that is why it is not developed.” In April 2019, Jamal Itani, then President of the Beirut municipal council, had announced the creation of a 16-kilometer cycling area in the Lebanese capital, but the project was never implemented. When asked about it, municipality representatives refrained from answering.

Korjikian bets on the new generation to change the mentality. He insists: “People will not cycle here, even if you make roads bicycle-friendly. Awareness must be raised in schools so that the youth can understand that cycling is useful, healthy, and eco-friendly.” The road is, indeed, long and hard, but there is still hope for bicycles to become popular as a means of transportation in Lebanon.