Jimy Blog's Section

History of Bicycles in Cuba

July 1, 2023 by Erick Ruslan

Bicycles have been a popular means of transportation in Cuba and Havana for decades. Here are some interesting facts about the history of bicycles in Cuba and Havana.

The first bicycle that arrived in Cuba was imported by Claudio Graña, a Spanish merchant, in 1880. This model was heavy and the driving force was in the front wheel, at the height of a person. In 1889, the first official bicycle competition in Cuba of which there is news was held. Since then, the bicycle has become a popular mode of transportation in Cuba and Havana, especially during the economic crisis of the 1990s, when many people began using bicycles as an alternative to cars.

Facts

These facts and curiosities show the evolution of the use of bicycles in Cuba

• In the 1890s, bicycles began to arrive in Cuba from Europe and the United States.
• In the 1930s, bicycles became a popular means of transportation in Havana due to the lack of cars and public transportation.
• During the 1960s, the Cuban government began importing bicycles from China to encourage the use of bicycles as a means of transportation.
• In the 1990s, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, Cuba experienced a severe economic crisis that affected the supply of fuel and the availability of cars. As a result, many people began using bicycles as a means of transportation.
• In 2014, the documentary "Havana Bikes" showed the bicycle culture in Havana and how cyclists have found creative ways to keep their bicycles in good condition despite the lack of spare parts.
• In 2018, a public bicycle rental service was launched in Old Havana, which allows tourists and locals to rent bicycles for a few hours or a day.
• In 2022, it was announced that a public bicycle system will be implemented in Havana before the end of the year, which will allow people to rent bicycles for a low cost.
• In recent years, there has been an increase in cycling practice in Cuba, especially in Havana.
• In 2022, a program was carried out to teach children how to ride a bicycle, which aimed to promote the use of bicycles as a means of transportation and physical activity.