HAVANA, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- Chinese-made electric motorcycles in Cuba do more than help people get around. They are serving to tackle the island's fuel shortage.
Owners of the Chinese electric vehicles have grouped together to offer stranded commuters free rides to work or school, as conventional fossil fuel-burning public transit runs out of gas.
Home to more than 2 million residents, the capital Havana has numerous electric motorcycle clubs that are working in coordination with the Ministry of Transportation to compensate for the fuel shortage.
"The country is undergoing a tough time, and we must support government efforts to respond to the (transportation) problems," club coordinator and motorcycle enthusiast Javier Rojas, who works for a government-run company, recently told Xinhua.
Stepped up U.S. sanctions have targeted oil shipments to Cuba, reducing the latter's fuel supplies. The measures are part of Washington's efforts to turn up the pressure on Cuba's socialist government.
The motorcyclists drive in groups of 20 to 30 through Havana's busiest avenues, and each motorcyclist offers a lift to a waiting commuter.
"We do this especially during morning rush hour," said Felipe Gainza, chair of Club ERAcing, which gathers almost 50 members.
Reinier Hernandez, the young head of the Electric Motorcycle Club, says its 32 members believe it is their moral duty to help others.
"The U.S. blockade has worsened and now they are trying to leave us without fuel. Our motorcycles make a small contribution to the government's efforts to help everyone," Hernandez said.
Reinier Torres, head of the High Voltage Club, agrees it is a question of solidarity. "Offering a ride to someone who is waiting for a bus is practically an obligation, because we don't need oil or gasoline. If we can help, then we do it," he said.
Leticia Alvarez, a stranded commuter, kissed her young driver on the cheek after hearing the ride was free.
The motorcyclists' solidarity campaign goes beyond offering lifts to undertaking sanitation work, particularly along Havana's coastline, where they collect waste. Additionally, once a month they offer a lecture on road safety.
The Chinese-built vehicles are not sold in Cuba, but imported by individuals from countries such as Panama, Mexico and the United States, as a novel and environmentally-friendly alternative to standard motorbikes.
