Bike shortage stems flow of migrants using Arctic route to Europe

The flow of Middle Eastern migrants trying to reach Europe via the Russian Arctic slowed dramatically on Thursday, partly due to a shortage of bicycles to cross the border, a source who deals with them told Reuters. 

People seeking asylum in Norway have taken to using bicycles to cross the border from Russia because pedestrian traffic is banned and drivers of vehicles are fined if they carry passengers across without the proper documents.

 

They then buy bicycles, bring them in taxis to the frontier and hop on the two-wheelers to travel the short distance between the Russian and Norwegian border posts. Stacks of discarded bicycles have accumulated on the Norwegian side.

DYI Comment:  Amazing how far people will travel for the possibility of a better life.  Simply amazing!

DYI