On January 23, 2025, London Bicycle Café had the privilege of hosting a group of 20 scholars from Ghana for an afternoon of learning, collaboration, and cultural exchange. This visit was part of a larger initiative to explore sustainable transportation solutions and the role of bicycles in business and community development.
A Warm Welcome Over Lunch
The scholars arrived at the café at noon, where they were greeted with a warm meal and an opportunity to engage in open conversations with our team. Over lunch, discussions naturally flowed about the impact of cycling on urban mobility, sustainability, and economic opportunities in both Canada and Ghana.
Hands-On Learning: Workshops in Cycling for Business & Maintenance
From 1:00 to 3:00 PM, the scholars participated in two interactive workshops designed to showcase the potential of bicycles as tools for business and everyday transportation.
Bikes for Business Workshop
In this session, ten scholars took part in a presentation on our Bikes for Business pilot project, led by Andrew Hunniford, where they learned how businesses in London are integrating cargo bikes and e-bikes into their operations. This session sparked insightful conversations on how similar models could be adapted to the Ghanaian context, considering local infrastructure and economic dynamics.
E-Bike Maintenance & Repair Demonstration
While half the group engaged in the business session, the other ten scholars visited Alex Tritton in our repair and maintenance shop for a live demonstration on e-bikes. Our mechanics provided hands-on insights into basic maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair techniques—skills that are crucial for the long-term viability of bicycle-based transportation.
At 2:00 PM, the groups switched places, ensuring that each scholar had the opportunity to experience both sessions.
Strengthening Global Connections
This visit underscored the universal appeal and potential of bicycles as a means of sustainable transport and business innovation. The exchange of ideas between our team and the visiting scholars was truly inspiring, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities in advancing cycling culture across different geographical and economic landscapes.
We are grateful for the chance to connect with such passionate individuals and look forward to continuing this conversation. As we work toward making cycling more accessible and viable for businesses and communities, we are excited about the potential for future collaborations that transcend borders.
Thank you to Paul Tufts for organizing and everyone who made this visit possible. Here’s to building a more connected and sustainable world—one bike ride at a time!