Can a Cyclist Drive a City like Tripoli
After-Thoughts on Natheer Halawani’s Dream
For the duration of this piece, Natheer Halawani is just a bicyclist. He is not the co-founder of The Cabinet Creative Agency, nor an inspiring photographer. For the next few minutes, I am trying to shred to pieces Natheer’s dream of the capital city of cycling in Lebanon.
I’ve observed his passion for the city, and his passion for growing this cycling initiative. His latest interview by KABSE’s team (hosted by Jana) was energising, to the point I wanted to share my frustration publicly over such a distinguished talent. Indulge me while I break the irritating story down for you:
Natheer the cyclist, wants people to get more into the habit of cycling, more precisely in the city of Tripoli, Lebanon. Why? as he puts it:
- It’s a flat city, so an ideal place for such a habit.
- It’s a small city is, making trips on a bicycle feasible for most commuting routes.
- It’s a healthy choice for all.
- Benefits to the environment
- Benefits to the community
- Economical benefits
Fine sir. I agree.
But then, I get lost in my own thoughts imagining how this will pan out, this is where the frustration comes.
Day 1
Let us assume his little hobby picks up, he is no longer on Day 0. More and more people join the little happy group and movement. Let us fantasize them as a few thousands of serious cyclists in town by now. Pedalingin their screaming red and yellow shorts, zen state of existance, wearing airpods, listening to “rain drops hitting the pavement” sounds effects. Maybe a few more rental places pops up here and there.
Day 2
More people will likely join groups of 100s, than a group of 10s. A good idea will have its early adopters, but once you peak beyond that, the skeptics will join in fear of missing out. Vultures. Historically, and statistically, the smartest, loudest, and most active Lebanese is the one the joins the queue line second.
There, we are introducing energy. a chain reaction.
Day 3
Bicycles and bicyclists need tools, gear, spare parts, replacement bicycles, upgraded ones…At least a couple of shops will have to take this more seriously, and up their game and the value they are offering. Once the demand is there, the supply will show up. No business owner will want their business lost to a nearby city. Shop owners will have to do better than “DM for Price”
A new developing cycling culture = more activities and events . Creativity is the limit here. From fun tours to cycling competition. Businesses will want a share too, coffee shops, gyms, nutrition, will start to offer collaborations and bundles. Certain stores will offer incentives for deliveries done on bicycles.
Day 4
By now, the hype is more than a community initiative. The municipality will want recognition. Baby steps will emerge; a few parking racks here and there. Maybe a couple of road signs! Some road marking on a street or two. If the timing is right, and one of the two characters one would hope for are serving their terms in the office; they’ll push for a wider city plan. The characters are one who wants to take this city to a new level and the other who wants to speed up his/her political career.
Now we have the big guns, men and women in suits, holding a microphone. Bigger initiatives on a city scale. Revision of traffic regulations, zoning, dedicated lanes. Now, this is bigger than Natheer. Rentals are now widespread, with multiple drop-off points. Anyone, anywhere can get on a bike, commute, and drop it off. I just hope someone will find a more dignified way for a security measure than “leave your ID with us”. I can’t fathom how a brand starts its consumer experience with: We don’t trust you. You are a thief until you prove other wise. wink wink Beirut By Bike
I am holding back from mentioning the previous Beirut initiative(s) on biking lanes. Only to keep this piece clean and civilised.
Day 5
The new alternative transport is now a signature trademark for the city. Various models of electric scooters are gaining on the market share as well. A huge local manufacturer and factory just opened, employing 100s of the city talents, skilled workers, and labourers. A local Lebanese brand, born in Tripoli. Every petrol station is now equipped with a charging pod for electric scooters and bikes. Flying pods, underground electric metro. Too much eh?
This is no longer about a bicycle, this is a city with cleaner transportation modes, breathable air, power-efficient, and innovative.
Day 6
Tripoli now has an official union and organizations, talented individuals, specialised veterans, a consortium of minds and arms that witnessed the birth of the idea. Neighbouring cities are adopting the same program. The people of Tripoli are now consulting other municipalities on how it can be done. Tripoli’s boys and girls are confident other cities can do it in 5 days, instead of 6. Experience and a shorter learning curve. A bit of a showoff group these Tripolitanians.
Day 7
Rest.
Natheer can now stand on a high spot (to amplify the dramatic effect, so to be captured by someone’s lens, and shared on social media) overlooking the city, and exhale. He is not expecting a trophy. He is happy Tripoli is much better by the end of the weekend than it was on Monday.
I am frustrated because this is not an impossible dream, this is not a naive vision, failed before maybe, but not unrealistic. The city needs people like Natheer, paying attention to tiny detail. It is frustrating because it can be done, and it should be done. Will it ever be done?
