Revolution on Wheels: How a Bike Movement is Taking Over Addis Ababa

You’d think getting on a bike would just be about balancing wheels, right? Well, not if you’re Maren Ahlers, the Bicycle Mayor of Addis Ababa! This dynamo started small during the pandemic on a bright yellow bicycle, trying to escape the crowded public transport—that’s when she realized she wasn’t alone. A few rides gathered a crowd, and now she’s rallying hundreds of cyclists while making a significant push for cycling advocacy and infrastructure in Ethiopia’s capital. Talk about a wild ride!

Ahlers’ journey took her from casual cycling to founding Egre Menged Impact, which has become a lifeline for women wanting to learn how to ride bikes. With over 450 members in her organization, she’s proving that bike lanes aren’t just for the spandex-clad elite but can welcome everyone. The Ethiopian government is catching on too, planning to build a whopping 100 kilometers of new bike lanes—it’s like the city finally got the memo that bikes can work wonders, not just for fitness but for the environment.

But let’s be real, it hasn’t been all sunshine and bike bells. As Ahlers pushes for these changes, she faces challenges from entrenched car culture and slow-moving bureaucracy. Yet her determination shines through, and she’s ready to bring more people into the cycling community, one pedaling class at a time. If you could create your perfect bike path, what would it look like? Get those creative juices flowing and share your dream rides!

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