Some residents of Kano abandoned their cars to embrace trekking, using bicycles, electric bikes, and commercial tricycles for mobility, as petroleum prices jumped to N1,150 in the state.

A correspondent observed on Sunday that there were fewer cars on the road and more pedestrians, bicycle riders, and electric bike users than usual.

One of the pedestrians, Sani Isa, told journalists that the cost of mobility had increased significantly as tricycle operators doubled their fares to reflect the new pump price.

He said the situation had affected him adversely because he now spends at least N1,200 daily on transportation.

Mr Isa said he resorted to using a bicycle because it was cheaper and affordable.

A student, Aminu Ishaq, who rides a bicycle to Kano Polytechnic daily, says it is a big relief to his ageing parents, who can’t afford the high transport cost.

“I don’t waste time waiting for a tricycle. I am always in school on time. I am full of energy,” Mr Ishaq said.

A civil servant, Muhammad Sadiq, said he had now adjusted to breaking his journey to office by trekking halfway to the Federal Secretariat before boarding a commercial tricycle.

“What I do now is to break my movement, trek to a point then take Keke from there. I will save at least N300.

“Since the increase in pump price, many riders packed their tricycle and went into other businesses,” he said.

Another resident, Ali Abdullahi, also said that since the increase, he had abandoned his vehicle for an electric bike, saying that it saves money.

“I have two cars. I sold one and bought an electric motorcycle for N900,000, which is easier to maintain,” he explained.

A businessman, Tasi’u Murtala, who bought an electric motorcycle recently, said he spends N5,000 daily to fuel his car.

Mr Murtala said he bought an electric bike for N750,000, which is cost-effective.

“When the motorcycle is fully charged, it covers 60km before its battery runs down. I use electricity, solar or a generator set to recharge it daily,” he explained.

(NAN)