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This article details the installation of panniers and luggage carriers unto regular bicycles, ie to allow use of the bicycle as a '''freight bicycle'''.
{{Topic notice}}
 
[[File:Bicycle1.jpeg|thumb|Cyclist carrying mattresses, Puttalam District. An example of ordinary bicycle used to transport difficult loads. Photo: Practical Action.]]
 
[[File:Bicycle extended bicycle.jpg|thumb|Extended bicycle Photo: Practical Action]]
 
Panniers and luggage carriers can be installed unto regular [[bicycle]]s, ie to allow use of the bicycle as a '''freight bicycle'''.


== Pannier installation ==
== Pannier installation ==
The carrying capacity of the bicycle can be greatly increased by attaching panniers either
side of the wheel. However, the loads in the panniers must be reasonably well balanced.
Panniers are particularly suited to carrying containers such as used for carrying water.


Panniers may simply be sacks or woven baskets hung from lengths of wood or bamboo fixed
[[File:Bicycles construction panniers.jpg|thumb|Figure 1: Construction of panniers]]
across the carrier or may be frames manufactured from wood or steel. They need to be as
 
light as possible.
[[File:Bicycles extentions.jpg|thumb|Figure 2: Construction of luggage carrier for a standard bicycle]]


The design shown is a steel frame, which may be either welded or pinned together so that it
[[File:Bicycles panniers20in.jpg|thumb|Figure 3: Construction of luggage carrier with small (20") rear wheel]]
can be folded up when it is not in use.


The base and sides may be filled in with wire mesh (weldmesh), wooden slats or canvas
The carrying capacity of the bicycle can be greatly increased by attaching panniers either side of the wheel. However, the loads in the panniers must be reasonably well balanced. Panniers are particularly suited to carrying containers such as used for carrying water.
type material. The ends can be filled in on fixed panniers but not on fold-up designs.


[[Image:bicycles_construction_panniers.jpg|thumb|900px|center|Figure 2: Construction of panniers]]
Panniers may simply be sacks or woven baskets hung from lengths of wood or bamboo fixed across the carrier or may be frames manufactured from wood or steel. They need to be as light as possible.


===Luggage carrier installation===
The design shown is a steel frame, which may be either welded or pinned together so that it can be folded up when it is not in use.
These low cost adaptations of standard bicycles enable larger and more bulky loads to be
carried on an extended rear carrier.


The load that can be carried is limited by the strength of the rear wheel and tyre. A
The base and sides may be filled in with wire mesh (weldmesh), wooden slats or canvas type material. The ends can be filled in on fixed panniers but not on fold-up designs.
strengthened wheel can be used so that the limiting factor is the load capacity of the tyre.
[[Image:bicycle_extended_bicycle.jpg|thumb|250px|left|Figure 3: Extended bicycle Photo: Practical Action]]


{|border="1"
=== Luggage carrier installation ===
|-
|bgcolor="silver"|
Extended cycle user, W
Aloysius Fernando, cultivator of
mainly plantains & peanuts,
sells peanuts in nearby towns.
With the extended cycle, he can
now transport enough to meet
demand (1200 packets as
oppose to 400 packets on his
original bicycle). With increased
business earnings he began to
cultivate a larger area of land
and could hire a peanut shelling
machine.
|}


This particular bicycle adaptation requires; the chain to be lengthened, the brackets for the
These low cost adaptations of standard bicycles enable larger and more bulky loads to be carried on an extended rear carrier.
rear break to be moved, and the brake rods to be lengthened. The frame does not have to
be cut or modified in any way.


[[Image:bicycles_extentions.jpg|thumb|900px|center|Figure 4: Construction of luggage carrier for a standard bicycle]]
The load that can be carried is limited by the strength of the rear wheel and tyre. A strengthened wheel can be used so that the limiting factor is the load capacity of the tyre.


===Construction of a luggage carrier with small (20”) rear wheel===
This particular bicycle adaptation requires; the chain to be lengthened, the brackets for the rear break to be moved, and the brake rods to be lengthened. The frame does not have to be cut or modified in any way.
The advantages of a small rear wheel are; there is more space for the load, the load is lower
and easier to balance, the wheel is stronger, and the bicycle is easier to pedal. The main
disadvantage is that the smaller wheel does not ride as easily over pumps and potholes.
[[Image:bicycles__panniers20in.jpg|thumb|900px|center|Figure 5: Construction of luggage carrier with small (20”) rear wheel]]


===Bicycle taxis===
=== Construction of a luggage carrier with small (20") rear wheel ===
The Bicycle taxi or boda boda has become popular in Uganda and Kenya, they operate for
hire from stands in towns, bus stops and market centres. The name boda boda is said to
come from the time when the East African Community existed and there was free movement
across the boarder between Uganda and Kenya. Travellers were offered transport to the
boarder by bicycle-riders shouting ‘Border Border’ to attract passengers.
Converting a bicycle to a taxi requires reinforced forks, stronger brakes, a passenger seat
and footrests, and cushions. New seat designs enable woman to ride side-addle should help
to improve access.


Although the work is hard, the operators can earn a living despite a lack of formal education.
The advantages of a small rear wheel are; there is more space for the load, the load is lower and easier to balance, the wheel is stronger, and the bicycle is easier to pedal. The main disadvantage is that the smaller wheel does not ride as easily over pumps and potholes.
The community transport organisation in Ndhiwa and The Kibos Cycle Taxi Association of
Kisumu, Western Kenya worked in conjunction with [[Practical Action East Africa]] to:<br>


• enhance the safety of bicycle taxis<br>
== Further reading ==
• provide a cycle lane along the Kibos road<br>
• set up a mini-medical insurance scheme for passengers and operators<br>
• provide a credit scheme and repair fund for the members


== References and further reading ==
* Bicycle Trailers ([[Practical Action Technical Brief]])<br>
Bicycle Trailers ([[Practical Action Technical Brief]])<br>
* Low-cost Load-carrying Devices: The Design & Manufacture of Some Basic Means of Transport Ron Dennis and Alan Smith ITDG Publishing 1995
Low-cost Load-carrying Devices: The Design & Manufacture of Some Basic Means
* Puncture Prevention Techniques for Low Cost Vehicles Michael Ayre & Alan Smith
of Transport Ron Dennis and Alan Smith ITDG Publishing 1995<br>
* The Impact of Road Condition on Operating Costs of Bicycles, IT Transport, 2004, DFID. https://ittransport.co.uk/index.php?page=publications
Puncture Prevention Techniques for Low Cost Vehicles Michael Ayre & Alan Smith<br>
* Forum News, IFRTD
The Impact of Road Condition on Operating Costs of Bicycles, IT Transport, 2004,
 
DFID. http://www.ittransport.co.uk/index.php?page=publications<br>
A quarterly newsletter looking at the issues of transport with animal power, bridges, bicycles, gender and transport, financing, engineering, sustainable rural livelihoods, and community planning. Forum News is produced four times a year in English, French and Spanish.
Forum News, IFRTD
A quarterly newsletter looking at the issues of transport with animal power, bridges,
bicycles, gender and transport, financing, engineering, sustainable rural livelihoods,
and community planning. Forum News is produced four times a year in English,
French and Spanish.


== Useful contacts and addresses ==
== Useful contacts and addresses ==
International Forum for Rural Transport and Development - IFRTD<br>
2 Spitfire Studios<br>
67-73 Collier Street<br>
London N1 9BE<br>
United Kingdom<br>
Tel: +44 (0)20 7713 6699<br>
Fax: +44 (0)20 7713 8290<br>
Email: ifrtd@gn.apc.org<br>
Website: http://ifrtd.gn.apc.org/<br>
The International Forum for Rural Transport and Development is a global network of
individuals and representatives from government, academia, multilateral and bilateral donor
agencies, consultancies and technical institutions, national and international NGOs and
groups of community organisations in Africa, Asia, Europe and North and South America.


I. T. Transport Ltd.<br>
International Forum for Rural Transport and Development - IFRTD
The Old Power Station<br>
2 Spitfire Studios
Ardington, Nr Wantage<br>
67-73 Collier Street
Oxon<br>
London N1 9BE
OX12 8QJ<br>
United Kingdom
United Kingdom<br>
Tel: +44 (0)20 7713 6699
Tel: +44 1235 833753 /821366<br>
Fax: +44 (0)20 7713 8290
Fax: +44 1235 833753/821366<br>
Email: ifrtd@gn.apc.org
E-mail: itt@ittransport.co.uk<br>
Website: http://ifrtd.gn.apc.org/
Website: http://www.ittransport.co.uk/<br>
The International Forum for Rural Transport and Development is a global network of individuals and representatives from government, academia, multilateral and bilateral donor agencies, consultancies and technical institutions, national and international NGOs and groups of community organizations in Africa, Asia, Europe and North and South America.
Consultants in transport for rural development
 
I. T. Transport Ltd.
The Old Power Station
Ardington, Nr Wantage
Oxon
OX12 8QJ
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 1235 833753 /821366
Fax: +44 1235 833753/821366
E-mail: itt@ittransport.co.uk
Website: https://ittransport.co.uk/
Consultants in transport for rural development


International Bicycle Fund<br>
International Bicycle Fund
4887 Columbia Dr S<br>
4887 Columbia Dr S
Seattle WA 98108-1919<br>
Seattle WA 98108-1919
USA<br>
USA
Website: http://www.ibike.org/index.htm<br>
Website: http://www.ibike.org/index.htm
A non-governmental, non-profit, advocacy organisation, promoting sustainable transport and
A non-governmental, non-profit, advocacy organisation, promoting sustainable transport and international understanding. Major areas of activity are non-motorised urban planning, economic development, bike safety education, responsible travel and cycle tourism, and cross-cultural, educational programmes.
international understanding. Major areas of activity are non-motorised urban planning,
economic development, bike safety education, responsible travel and cycle tourism, and
cross-cultural, educational programmes.<br>


Pan Africa Bicycle Information Network (PABIN)<br>
Pan Africa Bicycle Information Network (PABIN)
Website: http://www.ibike.org/pabin/index.htm<br>
Website: http://www.ibike.org/pabin/index.htm
Working to improve opportunities for bicycle transport and low-cost mobility to improve
Working to improve opportunities for bicycle transport and low-cost mobility to improve productivity, the quality of life and the environment in Africa.
productivity, the quality of life and the environment in Africa.<br>


Re~Cycle<br>
Re-Cycle
Unit A Global Park<br>
Unit A Global Park
Moorside<br>
Moorside
Colchester<br>
Colchester
Essex, CO1 2TW<br>
Essex, CO1 2TW
United Kingdom<br>
United Kingdom
Tel: 0845 4580 852 or 01206 863111<br>
Tel: 0845 4580 852 or 01206 863111
Email: mailbox@afribike.org<br>
Email: mailbox@afribike.org
Website: www.re-cycle.org<br>
Website: www.re-cycle.org
Re-cycle is a charity whose mission is to collect and ship second hand bicycles and parts to
Re-cycle is a charity whose mission is to collect and ship second hand bicycles and parts to less developed countries. Re-cycle helps to teach local people the skills of how to repair and maintain bicycles, to improve their lives in a sustainable manner.
less developed countries. Re-cycle helps to teach local people the skills of how to repair and
maintain bicycles, to improve their lives in a sustainable manner.<br>


First African Bicycle<br>
First African Bicycle
Information Office<br>
Information Office
PO Box 1537<br>
PO Box 1537
Jinja<br>
Jinja
Uganda<br>
Uganda
Tel: 00256-77-620312<br>
Tel: 00256-77-620312
E-mail: africa.bike@jessas.de<br>
E-mail: africa.bike@jessas.de
http://www.jessas.de/index.html<br>
http://www.jessas.de/index.html
FABIO (First African Bicycle Information Office) is providing literature and videos on bicycles
FABIO (First African Bicycle Information Office) is providing literature and videos on bicycles as sustainable means of transport and is organising national and international seminars on bicycle-awareness. There is a bicycle-workshop and training-centre for youths in assembling and maintenance of bicycles.
as sustainable means of transport and is organising national and international seminars on
bicycle-awareness. There is a bicycle-workshop and training-centre for youths in assembling
and maintenance of bicycles.<br>


Cycling out of Poverty<br>
Cycling out of Poverty
info@cyclingoutofpoverty.com<br>
info@cyclingoutofpoverty.com
http://www.cyclingoutofpoverty.com/<br>
http://www.cyclingoutofpoverty.com/
Cycling out or Poverty is a Dutch organisation engaged in raising funds for bicycle micro
Cycling out or Poverty is a Dutch organisation engaged in raising funds for bicycle micro credit projects in Africa. Cycling out of Poverty is running 3 projects: in Uganda, Burkina Faso and Ghana.
credit projects in Africa. Cycling out of Poverty is running 3 projects: in Uganda, Burkina
Faso and Ghana.<br>


Jacana Real World Development<br>
Jacana Real World Development
1321-B North Carolina Avenue NE<br>
1321-B North Carolina Avenue NE
Washington, D.C. 20002, USA<br>
Washington, D.C. 20002, USA
E-mail: info@jacanaworld.org<br>
E-mail: info@jacanaworld.org
Website: http://www.jacanaworld.org<br>
Website: http://www.jacanaworld.org
Jacana has been working on the Build A Better Bicycle (BABB) project. The objective of the
Jacana has been working on the Build A Better Bicycle (BABB) project. The objective of the BABB project is to commercialise a bicycle designed specifically for use in demanding African conditions. They have an office in Mozambique. Jacana is a member of bicycles for Humanity.
BABB project is to commercialise a bicycle designed specifically for use in demanding
African conditions. They have an office in Mozambique. Jacana is a member of bicycles for
Humanity.<br>


Bicycle Empowerment Network - BEN Namibia<br>
Bicycle Empowerment Network - BEN Namibia
PO Box 23150<br>
PO Box 23150
Windhoek<br>
Windhoek
Namibia<br>
Namibia
Tel: +264 61 250 200<br>
Tel: +264 61 250 200
Fax: +264 61 225 006<br>
Fax: +264 61 225 006
E-mail: michael@benbikes.org.za<br>
E-mail: michael@benbikes.org.za
Website: www.benbikes.org.za/namibia<br>
Website: www.benbikes.org.za/namibia
BEN import donated new and secondhand bikes from partner organisations and refurbish them by
BEN import donated new and secondhand bikes from partner organizations and refurbish them by employing and training local people. They distribute bicycles to community-based organizations (CBOs) whose staff in their work. BEN is a member of Bicycles for Humanity. They are supported by biking for Bikes http://web.archive.org/web/20080303140323/http://www.biking4bikes.com.au:80/
employing and training local people. They distribute bicycles to community-based organisations
(CBOs) whose staff in their work. BEN is a member of Bicycles for Humanity. They are supported by
biking for Bikes http://www.biking4bikes.com.au/.<br>


Bicycles for Humanity<br>
Bicycles for Humanity
E-mail: info@bicycles-for-humanity.org<br>
E-mail: info@bicycles-for-humanity.org
Website: http://www.bicycles-for-humanity.org/<br>
Website: http://bicycles-for-humanity.org/
Bicycles for Humanity began in 2005 with the aim of enabling others to raise funds and collect
Bicycles for Humanity began in 2005 with the aim of enabling others to raise funds and collect unwanted bicycles to send to reliable partners in developing countries.
unwanted bicycles to send to reliable partners in developing countries.<br>


== Wikis ==
Practical Action The Schumacher Centre for Technology and Development
HowtoPedia http://www.howtopedia.org/en/How_to_use_a_Bicycle_to_carry_things<br>
Bourton-on-Dunsmore
Appropedia http://www.appropedia.org/BICYCLE
Rugby, Warwickshire, CV23 9QZ
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)1926 634400
Fax: +44 (0)1926 634401
E-mail: inforserv@practicalaction.org.uk
Website: http://www.practicalaction.org


{|border="1"
== Related projects ==
|-
|bgcolor="silver"|'''Practical Action'''
The Schumacher Centre for Technology and Development<br>
Bourton-on-Dunsmore<br>
Rugby, Warwickshire, CV23 9QZ<br>
United Kingdom<br>
Tel: +44 (0)1926 634400<br>
Fax: +44 (0)1926 634401<br>
E-mail: inforserv@practicalaction.org.uk<br>
Website: http://www.practicalaction.org/<br>
This document was produced by Neil Noble for Practical Action and last updated
in January 2007.
|}


{{Gallery
| instance-of = Freight bicycle
}}


{{attrib PATB}}
{{Page data
{{Includes content from}}
| keywords = Cycling, Transport
| ported-from = https://practicalaction.org
| sdg = SDG03 Good health and well-being, SDG11 Sustainable cities and communities
}}


[[Category:Cycling]]
[[Category:Cycling]]
[[Category:Transport]]
[[Category:Transport]]

Latest revision as of 14:15, 23 October 2023

Cyclist carrying mattresses, Puttalam District. An example of ordinary bicycle used to transport difficult loads. Photo: Practical Action.
Extended bicycle Photo: Practical Action

Panniers and luggage carriers can be installed unto regular bicycles, ie to allow use of the bicycle as a freight bicycle.

Pannier installation[edit | edit source]

Figure 1: Construction of panniers
Figure 2: Construction of luggage carrier for a standard bicycle
Figure 3: Construction of luggage carrier with small (20") rear wheel

The carrying capacity of the bicycle can be greatly increased by attaching panniers either side of the wheel. However, the loads in the panniers must be reasonably well balanced. Panniers are particularly suited to carrying containers such as used for carrying water.

Panniers may simply be sacks or woven baskets hung from lengths of wood or bamboo fixed across the carrier or may be frames manufactured from wood or steel. They need to be as light as possible.

The design shown is a steel frame, which may be either welded or pinned together so that it can be folded up when it is not in use.

The base and sides may be filled in with wire mesh (weldmesh), wooden slats or canvas type material. The ends can be filled in on fixed panniers but not on fold-up designs.

Luggage carrier installation[edit | edit source]

These low cost adaptations of standard bicycles enable larger and more bulky loads to be carried on an extended rear carrier.

The load that can be carried is limited by the strength of the rear wheel and tyre. A strengthened wheel can be used so that the limiting factor is the load capacity of the tyre.

This particular bicycle adaptation requires; the chain to be lengthened, the brackets for the rear break to be moved, and the brake rods to be lengthened. The frame does not have to be cut or modified in any way.

Construction of a luggage carrier with small (20") rear wheel[edit | edit source]

The advantages of a small rear wheel are; there is more space for the load, the load is lower and easier to balance, the wheel is stronger, and the bicycle is easier to pedal. The main disadvantage is that the smaller wheel does not ride as easily over pumps and potholes.

Further reading[edit | edit source]

  • Bicycle Trailers (Practical Action Technical Brief)
  • Low-cost Load-carrying Devices: The Design & Manufacture of Some Basic Means of Transport Ron Dennis and Alan Smith ITDG Publishing 1995
  • Puncture Prevention Techniques for Low Cost Vehicles Michael Ayre & Alan Smith
  • The Impact of Road Condition on Operating Costs of Bicycles, IT Transport, 2004, DFID. https://ittransport.co.uk/index.php?page=publications
  • Forum News, IFRTD

A quarterly newsletter looking at the issues of transport with animal power, bridges, bicycles, gender and transport, financing, engineering, sustainable rural livelihoods, and community planning. Forum News is produced four times a year in English, French and Spanish.

Useful contacts and addresses[edit | edit source]

International Forum for Rural Transport and Development - IFRTD
2 Spitfire Studios
67-73 Collier Street
London N1 9BE
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)20 7713 6699
Fax: +44 (0)20 7713 8290
Email: ifrtd@gn.apc.org
Website: http://ifrtd.gn.apc.org/
The International Forum for Rural Transport and Development is a global network of individuals and representatives from government, academia, multilateral and bilateral donor agencies, consultancies and technical institutions, national and international NGOs and groups of community organizations in Africa, Asia, Europe and North and South America.
I. T. Transport Ltd.
The Old Power Station
Ardington, Nr Wantage
Oxon
OX12 8QJ
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 1235 833753 /821366
Fax: +44 1235 833753/821366
E-mail: itt@ittransport.co.uk
Website: https://ittransport.co.uk/
Consultants in transport for rural development
International Bicycle Fund
4887 Columbia Dr S
Seattle WA 98108-1919
USA
Website: http://www.ibike.org/index.htm
A non-governmental, non-profit, advocacy organisation, promoting sustainable transport and international understanding. Major areas of activity are non-motorised urban planning, economic development, bike safety education, responsible travel and cycle tourism, and cross-cultural, educational programmes.
Pan Africa Bicycle Information Network (PABIN)
Website: http://www.ibike.org/pabin/index.htm
Working to improve opportunities for bicycle transport and low-cost mobility to improve productivity, the quality of life and the environment in Africa.
Re-Cycle
Unit A Global Park
Moorside
Colchester
Essex, CO1 2TW
United Kingdom
Tel: 0845 4580 852 or 01206 863111
Email: mailbox@afribike.org
Website: www.re-cycle.org
Re-cycle is a charity whose mission is to collect and ship second hand bicycles and parts to less developed countries. Re-cycle helps to teach local people the skills of how to repair and maintain bicycles, to improve their lives in a sustainable manner.
First African Bicycle
Information Office
PO Box 1537
Jinja
Uganda
Tel: 00256-77-620312
E-mail: africa.bike@jessas.de
http://www.jessas.de/index.html
FABIO (First African Bicycle Information Office) is providing literature and videos on bicycles as sustainable means of transport and is organising national and international seminars on bicycle-awareness. There is a bicycle-workshop and training-centre for youths in assembling and maintenance of bicycles.
Cycling out of Poverty
info@cyclingoutofpoverty.com
http://www.cyclingoutofpoverty.com/
Cycling out or Poverty is a Dutch organisation engaged in raising funds for bicycle micro credit projects in Africa. Cycling out of Poverty is running 3 projects: in Uganda, Burkina Faso and Ghana.
Jacana Real World Development
1321-B North Carolina Avenue NE
Washington, D.C. 20002, USA
E-mail: info@jacanaworld.org
Website: http://www.jacanaworld.org
Jacana has been working on the Build A Better Bicycle (BABB) project. The objective of the BABB project is to commercialise a bicycle designed specifically for use in demanding African conditions. They have an office in Mozambique. Jacana is a member of bicycles for Humanity.
Bicycle Empowerment Network - BEN Namibia
PO Box 23150
Windhoek
Namibia
Tel: +264 61 250 200
Fax: +264 61 225 006
E-mail: michael@benbikes.org.za
Website: www.benbikes.org.za/namibia
BEN import donated new and secondhand bikes from partner organizations and refurbish them by employing and training local people. They distribute bicycles to community-based organizations (CBOs) whose staff in their work. BEN is a member of Bicycles for Humanity. They are supported by biking for Bikes http://web.archive.org/web/20080303140323/http://www.biking4bikes.com.au:80/
Bicycles for Humanity
E-mail: info@bicycles-for-humanity.org
Website: http://bicycles-for-humanity.org/
Bicycles for Humanity began in 2005 with the aim of enabling others to raise funds and collect unwanted bicycles to send to reliable partners in developing countries.
Practical Action The Schumacher Centre for Technology and Development
Bourton-on-Dunsmore
Rugby, Warwickshire, CV23 9QZ
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)1926 634400
Fax: +44 (0)1926 634401
E-mail: inforserv@practicalaction.org.uk
Website: http://www.practicalaction.org

Related projects[edit | edit source]

FA info icon.svg Angle down icon.svg Page data
Keywords cycling, transport
SDG SDG03 Good health and well-being, SDG11 Sustainable cities and communities
Authors Steven Medina
License CC-BY-SA-3.0
Ported from https://practicalaction.org (original)
Language English (en)
Related 0 subpages, 1 pages link here
Aliases Converting bicycles to freight bicycles, Bicycles in developing contexts
Impact 893 page views
Created March 18, 2009 by Steven Medina
Modified October 23, 2023 by Maintenance script
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