Tour D’Afrique Bike Expedition Supports Health Care Initiatives

Posted: 01 Feb 2004

Related to: Healthcare Logistics in Africa, Bridging Distances: Healthcare & Transport,
Contributed by: Aimee Gauthier, ITDP

The second annual Tour D'Afrique bicycle expedition, which began January 17 in Cairo, will distribute at least 200 bicycles to health organizations in Africa to help combat diseases such as HIV/AIDS, polio, and diabetes.

The 10,500-kilometer (6,600-mile) expedition lasts 100 days and traverses 10 African countries: Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa.

The expedition was created by Canadians Michael de Jong and Henry Gold with three goals in mind: 1) To create an athletic event for both amateurs and professionals of all ages, 2) To foster international goodwill, and 3) to raise funds to promote environmental, ecological and sustainable transportation charities throughout Africa.

AIDS workers reach 2-3 times more patients by bicycle than by foot

Donation of the bicycles was made possible by a partnership between Tour D’Afrique and ITDP, with generous support from the Rotary Club Leusden in Holland.

For more information about Tour D’Afrique, including an online race diary, visit http://www.tourdafrique.com