Summer is here. People are cleaning up their bikes to hit the roads. Using a bicycle for transportation becomes much more appealing when the breezes are balmy and the sun is shining. Only the committed few choose to brave winter rain and snow. Typically, in many developed countries, we have a rather laissez-faire attitude about bikes - they are more for pleasure than work.

But in many countries, bikes represent a modern innovation that can play a more important role. Cycling is faster than walking. It is certainly cheaper and more eco-friendly than driving. And new designs offer the chance to maximize the utility factor. has developed an extension, called Big Boda, that transforms a basic bike into a passenger and cargo carrier.

The Big Boda is intended to fit the cheapest bicycle available in developing countries - known as the “Black Mamba.” The extension is made up of long rack frames along the bicycle’s back and sides. The back wheel is also adjusted further back to provide greater strength and stability for loads. This does not change the position of the rider or pedalling, so the load becomes more manageable.

The Big Boda costs just over $100. Once fitted onto a bicycle, it can act as a taxi or delivery vehicle. The test-market project has been based in Kisumu, Kenya. Bulky lightweight loads were best suited to this transportation method - bread, cut flowers. In addition, the extension works well with school children, who travel by bicycle taxi rather than school buses. However, the main drawback has been relying on the Black Mamba frame, which proves to be heavy and lacking durability. Maintenance costs are high. In fact, the name ‘’ refers to the dangerous nature of the bicycles, due to weak brakes, flimsy parts, and other impractical features. They are classic roadsters, once found worldwide decades ago. To further improve on the extension concept, low-cost but higher quality bicycles must be made available. Otherwise, eager entrepreneurs are trapped in a cycle of costs that consume any profits.

These problems have hampered mass marketing of the Big Boda extension. Another option is the , which would require export from the US. Parts and service are necessary to maintain any bicycles sold in Africa. This particular model is a full bicycle with a strong lightweight frame and built-in cargo racks.

The organization is committed to finding transportation solutions for developing countries and low-income people. Their focus is strong, cargo-ready bicycles. This contrasts with most of the global bike market, which is still centred on high-end recreational designs. However, most of the world would benefit from more practical solutions.