The most convenient mode of transport to cover shorter distance has alwsys been cycle ricksaw. It used to be the life line in India, which recently been taken over by the the battery powered e-ricksaw. However still at many small towns of India, you may find the glimpses of old cycle ricksaw carrying passenger in their seats. These cycles still operational and making people ride conveniently. Before it vanishes from differrnt towns, I had few shots.
This is a kind if tri-cycle with two wheel at the back and a wheel in the front. You may consider it as an extension of a normal bicycle. On this we have the seating arrangement made using the support and structure on those two wheels with aluminum framework.
Also it has a kind foldable shed, to protect the passengers from sunlight. You may find it attractive, and also enjoy some bumpy rides. I remember I had a minor accident in my childhood days, where I fell off from the seat in a speed breaker. It was not too risky riding this, may be I was too small to maintain the balance on top of it.
The driver seat is different, it is exactly fitted right in middle of the ricksaw. It was placed in such a way that to maintain the complete balance of the ricksaw.
The literal meaning of ricksaw is a small pulling vehicle used for carrying passenger. Over the time, we have seen a little bit of evolution on its model , shape and size. In older times, such ricksaw were used to be pulled by a man with their hands. It has a long wooden handle to keep a firm grip.
Now, the old model has been replaced by these tri-cycle. People were used to cycle for distances , so they made a tri cycle to carry few passengers too. These ricksaw is a great employment generator too. Many people survive on its earning. Few years ago, there were many cycle ricksaw on the roads. Making the normal traffic snarls at time. But now such cycle are very limited or have been off road.
There is lot of manual effort involved in riding these ricksaw. It has taken many people lives be it a the puller or the passenger. But it remain in the heart of many people of 90's onwards. It is a kind of people personal vehicle ride with a chauffer on it. The charges were alwsys less, and that what made it a lifeline for many people.
From catering the conveyance needs of local people to earning livelihood for own family. The history of these cycle-ricksaw has many untold stories. But sooner or later, we hardly going to find them on roads. The age of its extinction is nearabout. I feel good to share about it before it completelly vanishes from roads.
