Bicycle - The man’s oldest companion is being increasingly looked at a common short distance means of transport. In India, although cycling is not such a competitive sport, it’s usage is normally considered to be by the lower income group or the poor.
With brands like hercules and Hero coming out with the latest state of the art bicycles, I’m sure in the days to come, the Junta of India would start looking at bicycling as an opportunity to:
a bike)
I presently own two cars and a scooter. About 7 months back, I was generally browsing through the internet, I went through a site called https://crazyguysonbike.com, I realized how many people across the world do long distance cycle tours. The thought gained momentum and although I was not really looking at long distance touring, I definitely thought of using this for small local work and also to reach my early morning jogging spot. Helps me warm up and Cool down after the jog.
In November last year, I got myself a hercules 6 speed MTB ultima. Now I’ve scraped my scooter and I do not use my car when I’m travelling solo and when I have to go within the suburb.
I’ve now got into the habit of using my bicycle during my weekend for local household chores, Bank, post office etc. Dont remember driving my car for the past 4 months, when I’m going out alone.
The front basket has ample space to hold shopped groceries etc.
I think in India, people need to be educated on the pros of cycling and also to banks where the security guards are used to saluting customers coming in car.Little do they realize that somebody who’s coming in a bicycle need not be an ordinary man. I once got into a ruffle with the security guard of ICICI bank(the most hated bank see my review) when he rudely asked me to PUT my cycle in a corner. The bank manager had to intervene and the guard made to apologize. All these only because the security probably thought that I wasn’t important enough since I didnt come in a car. Also bicycles seem to be getting a raw deal as far as prestige and parking is concerned. Most hotels, banks do not have a place for people to park their bicycles. For them only couriers come in bicycles and not customers. Hence it is not necessary. This needs to change. One need to learn from countries like the Netherlands where cycling is a passion.
No more tension of someone denting your car
No more tension of traffic signals(for one can get down and walk across the road)
No more searching for parking space and the No Parking Signs(Park where you feel like)
Feel the ambience around when you are cycling
It’s really surprising that after starting to ride, I’ve realized that there are so many lanes and I’ve understood the topography of the place where I live much better than before.
My 6 year old sun likes to sit behind in the carrier while I take him for a ride. He too rides a bike, but not big enough to ride on the roads.