 
There are a number of tour operators offering cycling holidays
to The Gambia. Bicycle Africa based
in the US specialise in medium soft bike tours / cultural adventure
for Westerners looking to learn more about the country at a personal
level. The IBF also has a good travel guide.
Having a bike in The Gambia is very useful, especially for getting
to certain tourist attractions
and for transportation to anywhere that is too close for a bush
taxi and too far when the heat makes
you a bit lazy for long walks. Additionally, a leisurely bike
ride is a great way to explore the Gambia. However here are some
negative factors to consider:
1. Deep sand sometimes renders un-rideable roads
that go off the beaten track, especially in residential areas.
2. The dust makes bike repairs more frequent than in the Europe
or UK.
3. Vehicle drivers and road traffic in The Gambia can be a risk
to your safety.
Generally these are smaller
considerations in the face of a bike’s convenience. Number 1 can
be avoided once you learn the best routes and become an experienced
sand rider (this takes practice); number 2 because bike repair
“shops” (i.e. roadside stalls) are plentiful, inexpensive, quick,
and have qualified owners. Number 4 is truly something to contemplate,
but most accidents can be avoided by taking reasonable safety
precautions.
Cycling Tour Operators:
bicycle-africa .com
(Germany)
International
Bicycle Fund
Helping to promote eco-friendly bicycling holidays.
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Buying a bike:
 Bikes
should cost around $70.00, less for an older model, perhaps more
for a newer—since you are likely to be making this large purchase
at the beginning of your visit, it is best to ask a Gambian to
accompany you to get a fair price.
Atlantic Trading Post, opposite of Westfield taxi stop, has good
selection, but there are other places sprinkled around the Serrekunda
area.  Keep
your eye out when travelling the area and of course, ask Gambian
friends for good places to go. Test your bike thoroughly before
buying—if there are any problems, ask if they can be fixed before
purchase. The seller should repair/tune-up the bike on the spot
for you, and make all necessary adjustments, such as raising the
seat and handlebars.
Repairs:
No matter how good your bike is, you will need to get your tires
pumped and gears oiled every once and a while. There are many
repair stands you can stop at on the side of the road; if necessary,
you can leave your bike for a few hours for larger projects. Tire
pumping usually costs a few dalasi per tire, and a full bike oiling
perhaps $4.50. Other repairs vary by cost of supplies and labour.
Accessories:
 A
helmet should be first on your list of necessary accessories—in
fact, Peace Corps volunteers are required to wear one every time
they mount a bicycle in this country. A bike chain with a key
lock is a necessary investment (keep one key with you and one
key in a safe place).
If you get a combination lock, your bike is more likely to become
community property—which is all good and well except when your
bike is absent ten minutes before class starts! If you plan on
riding at night (which should generally be avoided), a light is
essential, as it gets dark very quickly. Thirdly, a bell or horn
is an appropriate purchase, as you will have to share a skinny
path with pedestrians that are oblivious to your presence.
Safety:
As Gambian drivers are sometimes less than sane, you must be alert
at all times when sharing the road with motor vehicles—potholes
and uneven pavement edges will cause you to ride more towards
the middle of the main road than you may like.
The safety advice is similar for walking. Never try to predict
what motor vehicles will do and don’t act unless you know for
sure. If blinkers are used at all, they are just as likely to
be on unknowingly as to signal imminent turning. When crossing
the street, keep in mind that there are few speed limit signs
and thus it can be difficult to gauge how fast or slow they are
barrelling towards you—if in doubt, wait. Be especially careful
when riding on busy roads such as Kairaba
Avenue, as cars merge on and off in all directions.
Taxis will present a special danger as well, since they make frequent
stops on the side of the road. Always move to the rights side
of them, even if it means going to the sand. If you are forced
to pass between them and the road, make absolutely sure the driver
is aware of you as you pass—and remember that eye contact doesn’t
necessarily mean they aren’t looking right through you. If you
sense a taxi is about to move on or off the road, it is wise to
stop and let them do their thing without getting in their way.
The best biking advice is to be as predictable as possible—don’t
make spur of the moment decisions about the direction or speed
of your travel and always make sure you brakes are in good working
order. Last but certainly not least: ALWAYS wear a bike helmet
that fits you and is buckled tightly.
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