Fuel shortages in Cuba drive a bicycle boom in Havana

Havana residents are pulling old bicycles out of storage, patching up threadbare tires, and learning to cycle as fuel becomes increasingly scarce across Cuba. The shortage has intensified following the United States takeover of Venezuela oil exports, which had been the primary energy source for the island for more than a quarter-century. While global markets monitor the price of Brent Crude Oil, the local reality for Cubans is one of survival, marked by frequent blackouts and soaring costs for basic necessities. The energy crisis was further compounded when fuel shipments from Mexico were halted recently after Washington threatened tariffs on nations supplying the island. In response, some residents are turning to electric vehicles and installing solar panels, while many others are embracing traditional cycling. For 23-year-old Gabriela Barbon, the decision to bike was driven by transportation costs that have tripled. > "Riding a bike is no longer just a hobby or something I wanted to do at some point in my life; its a necessity," she said. The surge in interest has overwhelmed local initiatives. Yasser Gonzalez, an organizer for the group Citykleta, reported that a program designed to teach adults how to ride attracted nearly 400 sign-ups, four times the expected number. > "We have an avalanche of people who want to learn," he said. Even experienced riders are returning to the streets. Yoandris Herrera recently reassembled a China-made bicycle he had kept under his bed for a year, choosing it over his motorcycle to save on fuel costs while commuting to work and taking his children to school. > "Since fuel is so expensive right now, its more practical to get around by bicycle," he said. The biking boom has provided a significant boost to repair shops. Pedro Carrillo, who operates a sidewalk workshop in Havana, noted a massive increase in customers seeking repairs for long-dormant bikes. However, the demand has led to a new set of challenges regarding the availability of spare parts. > "Sometimes I dont have parts to help people. There are things I cant get anywhere," he said. As the island navigates these economic pressures, the bicycle has transformed from a leisure item into a vital tool for urban mobility. The shift reflects the resilience of Havana residents as they adapt to a landscape of limited resources and shifting international alliances.