By Bilesanmi Abayomi
In Nigeria, the menace of commercial motorcycle theft continues to plague communities, while in the United Kingdom, a different type of two-wheeled trouble is on the rise – bicycle theft.
As public transportation struggles to meet the demands of daily commuters in Nigeria, the cost of transportation is becoming a burden, often surpassing the monthly salary of many. Against this backdrop, individuals like Bayo and Adeniyi have turned to bicycles as a cost-effective and efficient means of commuting, even in the face of increasing theft rates.
Bayo and Adeniyi, two Nigerian men living in the UK, shared their experiences with Kosofe Post, detailing how they rely on bicycles to navigate their daily routines. With a modest investment of £60 to £80 in a used bicycle, they not only save up to £1440 annually on transportation but also enjoy the added health benefits of cycling to work.
However, their testimonies shed light on a concerning trend – the alarming rate of bicycle theft in the UK. According to data from the Office for National Statistics, an average of 77,313 bicycles are reported stolen annually, illustrating the extent of the issue. Organized gangs specialize in stealing bicycles, causing distress and inconvenience to many commuters.