Bicycle rickshaws, also known as cycle rickshaws, are a common sight in many parts of Europe and India. These eco-friendly vehicles have been used for transportation in crowded city areas for many decades. They offer an affordable and convenient mode of transportation to both locals and tourists. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the bicycle rickshaw and its significance in Europe and India. See also the video I filmed for many years in Europe and India. It tells you about various bicycle rickshaws in India and Europe and from India you will see cities like Delhi, Chennai and Haridwar.
Bicycle Rickshaws in Europe
Bicycle rickshaws were first introduced in Europe in the early 1900s. At that time, they were mainly used by street vendors to transport their goods to markets. In the 1920s, the bicycle rickshaw became a popular mode of transportation for tourists in Europe.
Today, bicycle rickshaws can be found in many European cities, including Amsterdam, Berlin, and Paris. In these cities, they are often used as a form of eco-friendly transportation for short distances. They are particularly popular with tourists who want to explore the city’s sights and sounds at a leisurely pace. Bicycle rickshaws in Europe are also used for promotional purposes. Companies often use them as a mobile billboard to promote their products or services.
Bicycle Rickshaws in India
Bicycle rickshaws have been a common mode of transportation in India for over a century. They were first introduced as a means of transporting goods in crowded city areas. Over time, they became a popular mode of transportation for both locals and tourists. Today, bicycle rickshaws can be found in almost every city and town in India.
Bicycle rickshaws in India are particularly popular in tourist areas such as the Taj Mahal in Agra and the Old City in Delhi. They offer tourists a unique and authentic way to explore the city’s sights and sounds. They are also a popular mode of transportation for locals who want to get around crowded city areas quickly and affordably.
The Significance of Bicycle Rickshaws
Bicycle rickshaws are significant for a number of reasons. Firstly, they are eco-friendly. Unlike motorized vehicles, bicycle rickshaws do not emit harmful pollutants into the air. This makes them a popular mode of transportation in cities where air pollution is a major problem.
Secondly, bicycle rickshaws are affordable. They offer an affordable mode of transportation to both locals and tourists. In many cities in India, bicycle rickshaws are the cheapest form of transportation.
Thirdly, bicycle rickshaws are a source of employment for many people. In India, there are thousands of people who earn their livelihood by driving bicycle rickshaws. They provide an important source of income for people who may not have other employment opportunities.
Lastly, bicycle rickshaws offer a unique and authentic way to explore a city. Unlike other modes of transportation, bicycle rickshaws allow tourists more personal experience than other modes of transportation and allow tourists to interact with the local culture.
Video of bicycle rickshaws in Europe and India
While building my video exhibition, I came to a surprising realization that I had never encountered a bicycle rickshaw on the roads of Mumbai or Goa. During my time in Mumbai, I mainly stayed in the heart of the city and the Bandra area, where I only saw rickshaws running on gasoline. However, I did manage to spot a bicycle rickshaw at a museum in Goa. It’s quite interesting to think about how these eco-friendly vehicles are not as prevalent in certain areas.
In the suburbs of Delhi, the NCR, I had witnessed the use of bicycle rickshaws for short trips such as grocery shopping ten years ago. Unfortunately, in recent years, I have heard that bicycle rickshaws have disappeared from the street view of growing suburbs. It’s a shame because a bicycle rickshaw ride can provide a better experience than an auto rickshaw ride. While an auto rickshaw provides better protection for passengers, a bicycle rickshaw is more airy and refreshing during the summer heat.
During my travels in Europe, I was fortunate enough to spot bicycle rickshaws in cities such as Berlin, Rome, and Helsinki. It was fascinating to see how these vehicles are still being used for transportation in different parts of the world.
I invite you to check out my video exhibition to see where else I found the bicycle rickshaw. If you enjoy my social media channels, your support will help keep this photo project going. Who knows, maybe I will create a sequel to this bicycle rickshaw exhibition in the future.
It’s important to preserve the use of bicycle rickshaws as an eco-friendly and affordable mode of transportation. However, it’s also crucial to choose your driver carefully since helmets are not commonly seen. Be sure to read my other travel posts about Europe and India for more exciting insights!
INDIVUE 