of skylab and rickshaws

ELECSHA: Practical Substitute for Cycle Rickshaws

2008-06-13T02:06:00.001-07:00

Cycle Rickshaws are a mode of human-powered transport that’s being pulled by a runner in order for the passengers to be transported. Approximately cycle rickshaws are about a million in number that is operating around the roads of India. In some Indian cities, it is a major means of transportation which approximately carries about 3-4 billion passengers a year. It also helps more than 700,000 persons who work as a rickshaw puller.

It is a very environment-friendly means of transportation, but it’s not so practical due to it’s to slow-movement compared to other vehicles. The rickshaw puller has to work very hard while climbing even a slight slope. Its braking system is also very poor with only front brakes and it produces a catapult effect on a sudden break when going downhill at high speed. Most passengers also comment on the discomfort of its seating arrangement.

In addition to the mechanical discomforts brought by the cycle rickshaws, it also is very degrading for a human to pull the cycle rickshaw. But because of poverty, most laborers become rickshaw pullers and admit the unfavorable effect of their occupation to their health.

It is proven that cycle rickshaw manufacturers have no quality control so they don’t last a couple of year. In counter to the disadvantages, Indian authorities had banned the operation of cycle rickshaws on urban towns for prevention of bulky road traffic and also for passenger’s safety and comfort. They have designed and supported the following ways to solve their road traffic problems. These are: the improvement of pedal cycle rickshaw; support for the Motor assisted pedal cycle rickshaw; and the promotion of the use of completely battery driven rickshaw called ELECSHA.

Bring Back Rickshaws in City Streets

2008-06-06T02:04:00.000-07:00

Politicians in India lately gathered at a United Nations conference in Bali. They negotiated over how to solve the growing air pollution caused by automobiles which later on can cause climate change. These politicians must have thought of the usefulness of the skylab and the rickshaw by this moment.

The skylab, a motorbike fitted with a horizontal board at back that can seat several passengers and the rickshaw a human-powered transport which uses a two-wheeled cart which have seats one or two persons (called the rickshaw wallahs locally). Both of these vehicles have the greatest potential and may invoke a big chance to battle against global warming if only they were allowed to stay on the crowded streets of the Indian capital.

One trouble with having the wallahs on city streets is that it can be ran off the road by fast motor vehicles. It is so usual in India, where traffic runs on the principle of survival of the biggest and the most able.

But even though some might think that the rickshaw shouldn't be on the road due to it can clog up, and mess the traffic, I guess Indian cities just wouldn't be the same without them. It is true that the Delhi authorities have banned them from Delhi's main roads as well as parts of the old city due to the reason of messed-up traffic. But they can be the only way of accessing narrow lanes and they can reduce the elevating amount of air pollution on the said city.

But the wallahs have their way to fight back. The NGO, Initiative for Transportation and Development Programs, has challenged the ban in the Delhi High Court demanding the authorities to provide a track for the cycle rickshaws on all main roads.

Hybrid Rickshaws

2008-05-27T21:26:00.000-07:00

- An auto rickshaw is generally characterized by a tin/iron body resting on three small wheels, a small cabin for the driver in the front and seating for three in the rear.

- Hybrid vehicle is a vehicle which uses a mixture of power or fuel sources.

It is very noticeable nowadays, that owning a private vehicle in India is still reserved for the rich ones. That is why most of the population of India uses motorbikes and the auto rickshaws for mass transportation. But most of these vehicles are run by conventional engines which are powered by gasoline fuels. And inevitably more and more air pollution is accumulated everyday.

So in order to reduce air pollution, TVS Motor Company, Ltd. has developed the hybrid electric rickshaws. The concept was introduced at the 6th Auto India Expo in Delhi. It is now powered by 8 hp, hybrid driven, four stroke internal combustion engines which was developed by Solectria.

The new vehicle can reach a top speed of about 65 Km/h, which is a practical speed for crowded Indian cities. TVS has also made many improvements and made it suitable for frequent stops, extensive braking and occasional clear stretches of road.

It will be 20 per cent more fuel efficient and also have much lower emission levels. This would be perfect for reducing air pollution on the parts of the world which it is very common. So TVS Motors Co. deserves an appreciation for this very practical and environment friendly effort.

Auto Rickshaws in India

2008-05-20T21:27:00.000-07:00

An auto rickshaw is a public utility vehicle that is one of the chief modes of transportation in India. It is a motorized version of the traditional rickshaw. This vehicle has a top speed of around 50 km/h (about 31 mph) and a cruising speed of around 35 km/h (22 mph). Auto rickshaws have been modified in India to carry more passengers and are called share autos.

Aside from buses, trains and taxis, Auto rickshaws play an important role of public transport in Mumbai. The older Auto rickshaws in India had a Lambretta designed engine but they've been phased out as it consumed too much petrol. But most cities in India have very high air and noise pollution caused by this transport vehicle, so as per the new ruling of the Mumbai High Court, all auto rickshaws use CNG as the fuel.

Major auto rickshaw manufacturers in India are Bajaj Auto, Piaggio Greaves, Force Motors (previously Bajaj Tempo), Atul Auto and Kerala Automobiles. The Bajaj auto rickshaw is mainly seen as a passenger taxi vehicle, painted bright yellow and black mostly seen in Mumbai. Auto rickshaws registered in Mumbai are not allowed travel beyond the municipal limits of Mumbai. A ride in an Indian city in an auto rickshaw, is actually is a joyful adventure.

In India, auto rickshaws have to install a taximeter according to laws in various parts of India. There is an initial charge at the beginning of a ride then the price normally increases in proportion to the distance.

Battery Powered Rickshaw

2008-05-19T00:48:00.000-07:00

A rickshaw is an iron body resting on three small wheels, one in front and two on its rear. It also has a small cabin for the driver in the front and has seats usually for two persons in its rear.

Auto rickshaws are used in both rural and urban areas but it proved to be the main cause of both noise and air pollution. So the solution is to build a solar-powered, electric battery operated Rickshaws. It is called the ELECSHA.

Bluebird Electric Racing Ltd contributed a large part for funding the research and building of a lightweight solar powered rickshaw which has the ability to replace the millions of fossil and pedal rickshaws that operate throughout Asia.

Modernized rickshaws emit zero pollution. They are also easier to maneuver. Very economical and need no regular part replacements. Battery powered rickshaws seem most popular as the battery can be charged overnight whilst a solar powered rickshaw is known to travel 160 km on an overcast day. It’s definitely a very practical means of transportation.

Here are some basic features of an Elecsha: It can take two passengers at speeds of 35-40 km/hr; it can go to 60-70 km per battery charge; and it uses 40% less energy than petrol and diesel powered auto rickshaws.

They could override the use of the family car all over the world. It’s already been done in some small Asian cities. Prices are much more affordable than any car. Most battery operated rickshaws ranges from $7000, even less second-hand.

The Boons Of Battery-Powered Rickshaws

2008-02-26T17:38:00.000-08:00

Emission improvement. This is Mahindra's, India’s number one utility vehicle producer, plan recently. Mahindra officials must have learned to use their mind’s vent visor that made them realize the pollution brought by vehicle emissions. Sometimes, it only takes awareness. Yes, an awareness that every entrepreneur, not only automakers, have shields to guard them from the lust for power and profit-making -- that is, conscience.

In Reuters last month, the company announced that it will be investing $24.5 million or one billion rupees to execute its plan.

According to Mahindra authorities, this is part of the company’s shared advocacy for eco-friendly vehicles production. Along with fuel-efficient Scorpio and Bolero, Mahindra will also launch a three-wheeled rickshaw that runs on battery.

However, as of press time, Mahindra has not released any specific details about when and how this plan will be accomplished.

In a research, it was revealed that one of the major causes of pollution in developing countries like India are transport vehicles particularly autorickshaws that run on petrol. As a solution, Nimbkar Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) developed three new rickshaw types. That includes an improved pedal cycle rickshaw (IMPRA), a motor assisted pedal rickshaw (MAPRA) and lastly, an entirely battery driven rickshaw known as ELECSHA. These rickshaws were claimed to be environment-friendly, fuel-efficient and, most importantly, cost-effective.

Aside from the fact that electric rickshaws lessen air pollutants, they are also commended for reducing the rates of noise pollution in urban and rural areas. These qualities make them such excellent alternatives for motor-powered autorickshaws. In additon to environmental benefits, the masses can also take advantage of employments that the production of these autorickshaws can provide.

At present, there are about 700,000 rickshaw pullers in the Indian roads.

Solar-Powered Rickshaws Soon To Emerge In India And Other Asian Countries

2008-02-20T20:57:00.000-08:00

An auto-rickshaw is one of the chief modes of transportation in India. Unlike the traditional rickshaw that is pulled by a driver to run, an auto-rickshaw is powered by a motor. However, records show that 2-stroke engines allow it to run at 15 to 20 kilometers per hour, plus its stop or start mode causes greater amounts of pollutants than vehicles with four-stroke engines.

For that reason, BlueBird Electric Racing Limited, a company that develops battery, motor, hybrid and other systems that intend to improve the range of conventional electric vehicles, is part funding the advancement of a solar-powered or electric rickshaw that is designed to serve as an alternative to auto-rickshaws not only in India but as well as in other Asian countries that utilize rickshaws such as Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Philippines. These non-polluting rickshaws can run up to 60 to 80 kilometers per charge with speeds ranging from 25 to 30 kilometers per hour. Each solar-powered rickshaw unit is claimed to save 10 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually.

As said by solarnavigator.net, aside from its improved appearance, this innovated rickshaw also has safety belts, an optional rain and cold screen, a lockable box under the seat that serves as storage for passengers’ belongings, a fold flat roof and adequate space and capacity to carry three adult passengers. With or without ignition coils, this rickshaw is sure to promote safety and environment preservation. How about some applause for that?

According to bluebird-electric.net, Bluebird Electric Racing Limited anticipates the demand for solar-powered rickshaws to arrive at 10,000 units per annum by 2010.

At present,

India

has an estimated 18 million petrol-powered two wheelers and about 1.5 million petrol and diesel three wheelers.

Why Not?

2008-02-15T18:25:00.000-08:00

When I was a kid, my parents taught me that winners are not those who always ask “Why?” Rather, they are the ones who ask, “Why not?”

Last January 15, at exactly 4:15 p.m., Stuart Darnley along with his team called “Why Not,” proved it to be true after finishing the 3,825 kilometers (2377 miles) Mercy Corp Rickshaw Run from Southern India to Kathmandu, an article at rickshawrun2008.com said.

Along with 63 teams, Damley’s “Why Not” team finished their mission of crossing the Indian Borders via a motorized rickshaw which the team compared to a golf cart. According to mercycorprickshaw.blogspot.com, the annual Rickshaw Run was for the benefit of Mercy Corp, an organization founded in 1979 that provides assistance to about 100 nations particularly those stricken by poverty and disasters.

Describing their adventure at rickshawrun2008.com, the “Why Not” team said, that in total, they finished the race at an average speed of 35 kilometers per hour or 25 miles per hour with three flat tires. For seven times, they ran out of fuel and discovered that their funnel and petrol caps were lost.

“Many many close shaves with cows, dogs, puppies, goats, people, buses, tractors, trucks, bikes and potholes that could swallow our rickshaw whole," as they recalled their life-changing run. Whew! It must be the same horrified feeling when a ten-wheeler truck almost touches your Acura car’s Acura MDX fender. But I believe Damley and comrades Jeff Johnson and Scott Sveiven believe it’s worth the experience. By asking “Why not?” they have gone beyond themselves for a worthy cause. Isn’t it a wonderful quest completed?

Through 2008 Rickshaw Run, about $4700 was earned to support Mercy Corp India - a proof that the organization’s dictum BE THE CHANGE is possible. For sure it ain’t easy, but why not?

Rickshaws For Weavers

2008-02-11T18:38:00.000-08:00

In India, it is very common to see rickshaws. In the country, it is also common to saree, the traditional female garment in India. But you might ask what the connection between these two.

You see, the saree industry in India is on the downside. With more and more Indian buying modern dresses, it is not surprising that the saree industry is down. Now, a non-governmental organization Janmitra Nyas decided to help out those weavers of sari to cope up with the slump in the saree industry.

And the NGO decided that it would help sari makers have their own rickshaws. I stumbled upon this news at Daily India while I was looking for Acura wheels for a project. The said NGO announced that weavers would only have to pay 25 rupees everyday for about a 18 months and they would own the rickshaw. But before that, they have to plop down about 350 rupees as down payment.

Shruti, a trustee for the NGO said: "Within one-and-a-half year, they will become the owners of their rickshaws. They just have to deposit their daily installment in the bank. They have opened a bank account also. After that they will not have to work under anybody. They will have a rickshaw available with them for 24 hours of the day so that they can use it any time. Generally, rickshaw pullers have to pay double the rent for crossing eight hours duration. Now, they will not have any such problem."

And the rickshaws that will be provided for weavers are not your ordinary rickshaws as these are designed to be more aerodynamic than existing contraptions. Dr. K. C. Chakravarti, Chairman-cum-Managing Director, Punjab National Bank said: "This is the modified version of the rickshaw, so it will make it easier to pull rickshaw. An IIT professor has designed this model of rickshaw. The NGO's are providing the rickshaws on reasonable rates. The NGOs involved in assembling this rickshaw are non-profit organizations."

The Workbike

2008-02-07T16:40:00.000-08:00

Workbikes are often seen in several Asian and European countries, and they are usually used to transport cargo and other stuff for business purposes. The development of workbikes is similar to conventional bicycles. The bicycle expanded in the center of trade and business that prepared carts for working functions. According to Wikipedia.com, the first workbikes were used for delivering mail, bread, milk and other essential items.

Amsterdam, Netherlands and Copenhagen, Denmark workbikes are exceptionally famous. A lot of residents basically fit great front carriers to well-built city bicycles in Amsterdam even though it doesn’t have any ignition coils. There is also a wide range of especially manufactured workbikes including low-loading two-wheelers with extended wheelbases, bicycles with small front wheels to fit huge front carriers, tadpole-type three wheelers with a box between the two front wheels.

Rickshaws In Bangladesh

2008-02-05T15:43:00.000-08:00

A roadtrip in Bangladesh. That’s one of my visions this year. Well, I still have 10 more months to plan (and save) for that - for my greatest rickshaw ride ever.

More than just an ordinary transport vehicle, the three-wheeled cycle rickshaw is also a popular art in Bangladesh - a developing country somewhere in South Asia.

Cheap. Environment-friendly. Cost-effective. Rickshaw is one of the most common modes of transportation over short distances in Bangladesh particularly in its capital, Dhaka. An estimate showed that about 12 million Bangladeshis live completely on income from the rickshaw business. About 80 percent of Bangladesh’s population relies upon these bicycle-powered carriages.

Rickshaws provide jobs for inhabitants of Bangladesh, one of the poorest countries in Asia. Official statistics reveal Rickshaw drivers are called rickshaw wallah in Bangla, who earn depending upon the rickshaw price that according to my source is based on four pointers: (1) the distance, (2) the weather, (3) whether you appear to be rich or poor and (4) whether you are a Bangladeshi or a foreigner. A rickshaw wallah only earns more or less 300 taka on a regular day, 150 of which is paid for the rent while the remaining 150 goes to his allowance. That would be just enough to pay his food and other expenses at home with his family.

However, recently, the Bangladesh government, in its efforts to reduce traffic congestion, plans to ban the rickshaws. It was met by several protests especially from environment advocates who care about the Bangladeshis who’ll be treated lower than Acura Legend floor mats if they lose their sole means of survival.

“Rickshaw bans harm the most vulnerable in society, mainly the sick, poor, women, children and the elderly; generally those who cannot afford or do not feel comfortable on other forms of public transport. To ban rickshaws also hurts small businesses that rely on them as a cheap and reliable form of transporting their goods,” said Syed Saiful Alam Shovan, a volunteer of Save Environment Movement.

A latest report from the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies showed that around 31 percent of the country’s rural population suffer the indignity of chronic poverty - low consumption, hunger and undernutrition, lack of accesss to basic health services, illiteracy and other deprivations for more than 10 years now.

If you will recall, India’s Tata Nano, the world’s cheapest car, was inspired by nothing else but a rickshaw.

Now, back to my roadtrip.

The Green Trend Hits Rickshaws

2008-01-29T23:51:00.001-08:00

When experts say that the auto trend these days is the production of environmentally friendly vehicles, the statement is encompassing. Yes, it includes the rickshaws.

While Honda Civic parts are enhanced to meet the requirements of a hybrid car and Chevrolet is absorbed in preparing Volt's, its plug-in hybrid, launch in the market, Pakistan is also zeroing in on helping the environment by regulating the production of green “rickshaws.”

To note, the green rickshaw scheme, has gained momentum in a number of Pakistan destinations such as the Sialkot, Daska and Pasrur. Under the said scheme, as many as 750 rickshaws will be given to the applicants on subsidized price in Sialkot district.

The launch of the scheme in the territory is aimed at slashing harmful emissions connected with global warming. Another notable purpose is to provide employment to jobless Pakistans.

On Monday, sources told Unique Pakistan that provincial government has already set up a "Green Fund" with an amount of Rs 1 billion for extending loan facilities to the interested persons for undertaking projects pertaining to environment, conversion of rickshaws into CNG and for the purchase of CNG buses in the Punjab.

Under the government program, Pakistan will encourage the projects pertaining to saving the environment. Interested persons could benefit the loan facility for initiating projects. Also, the scheme will be converting rickshaws into CNG and will be purchasing CNG buses in the Punjab. Sources added the 2-stroke rickshaws would be converted into CNG by the end of current year in Punjab.

With the alarming effects of global warming to both the environment and the people, every nation not just Pakistan and America, should take every effort to help circumvent its outcome. Before you know it, our environment is already far from revival. That would be too late.

Nissan’s Advanced Minivan

2008-01-25T23:02:00.000-08:00

Birth defects, impaired learning, liver toxicity and other health problems - these, according to a study conducted by the Ecology Center two years ago, are just some of the effects of too much exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) - chemicals used in seat cushions, armrest, floor coverings and other interior auto components. Solar exposure triggers these chemicals to produce reactions leading to the abovementioned serious health problems.

Good thing, the 2008 International Auto Show in Detroit highlighted concept cars focusing on vehicle's interiors, the AIADA newsletter reports. A time out button on the steering wheel allowing the driver to talk over a microphone and an XM Satellite Radio's real-time weather service that provides weather reports to drivers even miles ahead by breaking the weather map into blocks are just some of the pride of these upcoming cars.

The Nissan Forum, that's said to be identical with the Nissan Intima Concept, has all those concepts. Having an advanced Bose Media System with individual seat-mounted speakers, proximity sensor-based information controller, a one-button audio muting system and monitoring cameras on its second and third row, this Forum indeed have the most advance technology for minivans.

It also flaunts trackless sliding doors making entry and exit more convenient to its passengers as well as second row seats that swivel up to 90 to 180 degrees towards the third row bench just the way an Acura Integra window regulator works.

Nissan Forum is a genius product of Nissan Design America. It will have its preview this December.

But we must take note, there's something more than aesthetic appeal and comfort - that is health safety. Examine.

From Rickshaws To Jags, Rovers

2008-01-23T18:43:00.000-08:00

Before, India’s roads are swarmed with rickshaws pulled by horses. Now, the scenario is far different. The rise of middle class echelon has brought cars into Indian roads. This is something unheard of years back.

India’s market is reaching new heights, that is. As the income increases, cars become an insignia of development. Rickshaws are still there but no longer pulled by horses. Cars, meanwhile, are expected to burgeon. According to ABC News, analysts predict that car sales in India will double in the next 5 years, making India among the fastest-growing car markets in the world.

Additionally, Ford recently announced that it is nearing sale of its British brands Jaguar and Land Rover in favor of Tata Motors. So expect the flashy header s of Jags and Rovers invading Indian roads soon…

"For a long time, we suffered from a psychosis of Gandhian simplicity," said Murad Ali Baig, a famed Indian auto journalist. "It was vulgar to have a prestige symbol like a car. But this is no longer happening. People now feel it's no big deal to have a car and flaunt it. If you've got the money, show it."

In the mid '90s, Indians had three cars to choose from, Baig said in an interview. "Now, you've got 60 odd models of cars and SUVs, apart from maybe 200 engines and trims and all the rest of it. Now people are getting confused about what they should buy. There are so many people driving cars, you don't have places to park. We have traffic choking up all over the place. And it will get worse before it gets better," he added.

Cars are gradually changing India. But India is also changing cars. Tata Motors, India’s largest automaker, will be launching the much-awaited cheapest auto dubbed People’s Car. With a sticker price of $2,500, who wouldn’t be tempted?

Aside from the cheapest car, India will soon be invaded by ultra-low-cost cars built by Suzuki, Nissan and Toyota. But the territory isn’t just a haven for affordable cars; luxury cars come aplenty. There’s the Mercedes, BMW and other renowned automakers.

"India is now beginning to come up significantly on the automotive radar of the world as a source for high-quality, low cost production," concluded Baig. "Five, 10 years ago foreign brands wouldn't even look at an Indian component company. Today, they are lining up — if they can save a penny here, a penny there, it makes a huge difference."

Converting 52,000 Rickshaws To CNG

2008-01-14T20:59:00.000-08:00

Karachi will be adopting an open policy in transportation. In view of the policy, the Ministry of Transport will be inviting over 14 CNG auto-rickshaw manufacturers from Sindh to convert 52,000 2-stroke petrol-operated rickshaws to 4-stroke CNG rickshaws.

But not everyone is pleased with the policy. Why? This is because most rickshaw drivers cannot afford new engines. It was reported earlier that Hafiz-ul-Haq Hasanzai, president of All Karachi Rickshaw, Taxi and Yellow Cab Association, had tried to obtain permission from the Ministry of Transport to convert over 100,000 2-stroke rickshaws in Sindh.

Sources told Daily Times that the Sindh transport, labor, industry and commerce department’s secretary, Rasool Bux Phulpoto, has invited all the major CNG rickshaw manufacturers to take up the task of supplying CNG engines. A meeting is set to take place today at the Sindh Secretariat office.

According to an officer in the Ministry of Transport the decision is being taken in order to prevent the emergence of a monopoly for the conversion process. The said decision was triggered by the escalating environmental pollution is the main issue that needs to be addressed. “Anyone who can come forward with a better plan for CNG conversion will be asked to do the job,” he said. But, if the manufacturers fail to take up the task, then, the Ministry of Transport will invite everyone who can perform the conversion through advertisements.

Rickshaw owners, on the other hand, told the news authority that although the open conversion policy seems like it benefits the owners of two-stroke petrol-operated rickshaws, most of them cannot afford the cost of the engines and expenses required for CNG conversion. Most rickshaws were acquired on installment basis and many have already paid off.

In November last year, Hasanzai had presented a CNG-converted rickshaw to the transport authorities. It was thoroughly examined by motor-vehicle inspector Manzar on orders from DIG Traffic Wajid Ali Durrani. Manzar had passed the rickshaw commenting that it was fit from all aspects. But, the rickshaw that was passed had an Indian-made CNG engine, which the transport authority objected to for reasons such as smuggling, the issue of which is out the jurisdiction of transport authorities.

The 2-stroke auto rickshaws were scheduled to be phased out by June 30 last year. But Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim, former Sindh chief minister, had extended the date until 2010. At present, the endorsement of the High Court regarding the matter is expected. Perhaps, the efficiency of a fuel injector is necessary to make things a bit speedy.

Laud The Honest Rickshaw Driver

2008-01-11T04:20:00.000-08:00

Do you find it hard to spot someone honest? I guess so. Gypsies are everywhere. But being such doesn’t mean they aren’t worthy of your trust. There are still a significant number of honest people around. Don’t worry.

Actually, I have read a nice release this morning that made my day. Sigh. If only I could have this news each day. The release reads:

On December 7, 2007 when Vijendra Sharma, a doctorate student from Nagpur, hired a rickshaw from the Shivajinagar bus stand for National Chemical Laboratory (NCL) at Pashan, he had not the slightest idea that the events in the next few hours would change his perspective on life.

As Sharma and a companion reached the NCL guest house around 9:15 am on Monday, his companion paid the fare while he walked ahead to the allotted room at the guest house on Pashan Road. Just as he reached his room, Sharma realised that his bag - that contained a laptop worth Rs 45,000, a mobile phone worth Rs 23,000 and more importantly, his research documents and data sheets that were a result of five years of hard work - was missing. It then struck him that he had kept the bag behind the seat and forgot to collect it.

To his utter surprise, Sharma found the man calling was the same rickshaw driver who had taken him to Pashan road.

The 21-year-old Gaikwad on the other hand, says he cannot imagine being dishonest in his profession. "After dropping sir at NCL, I took another student passenger to Model Colony after which I saw the bag in my rickshaw. I first went to Model Colony thinking that it was the student's bag, but when they said it wasn't theirs, I opened it and found a resume on which Vijendra saheb's photo was there," says Gaikwad, a resident of Patil Estate slums, Shivajinagar.

A misty eyed Gaikwad confesses that he got his real reward when an elated Sharma gave him a huge hug on returning the bag. "He gave me his mobile, which I returned. I would prefer to have a cup of tea with him instead of receiving such a reward," says Gaikwad, who has been riding an autorickshaw since a year.

"I shall always remember this man for his extraordinary honesty, his poverty notwithstanding. This event has really made me introspect into our selfish lives today," says 28-year-old Sharma.

Stories like this make my heart swell as if pushed by a fuel pump. Realization strikes. Notwithstanding hardships, there are still a lot of good things to be thankful about.

Rickshaws Pullers Are Heroes

2008-01-09T17:31:00.000-08:00

I am truly amazed at how rickshaw pullers manage to stay vigorous all throughout the day. I mean, the whole day, they pull those rickshaws just to earn a few bucks - just enough for their daily meals. During the ancient times, almost all rickshaw pullers came from India or China and are basically from the lower classes of the society.

But for me, this job is a noble one. Instead of engaging in criminal acts, it is better to break your back by pulling rickshaws. I praise those people who remain responsible members of the community. And one more thing, we should all be proud of these rickshaw pullers because they have been preserving this ancient tradition. Today, rickshaws are still a big hit and attraction for tourists that’s why we should all support the preservation of these magnificent rides. Last but not the least, let’s all respect and give credit to all the rickshaw pullers around the world… because in their own back-breaking way, they are heroes!

From Rickshaws To Land Rovers, Say What?

2008-01-07T17:31:00.000-08:00

Rickshaws are ordinary vehicles you’ll often spot in India. Aside from the country’s rich culture and exceptional traditions, India is considered as one of the early regions from around the world to adopt the man-propelled vehicle. But today, the face of India’s world of transportation may turn a new leaf… finally! I guess drivers of rickshaws would be fastening seatbelts rather than pulling and sweating it out in pulling these carts.

According to ABC news, Tata Motors, an Indian car company, hopes to purchase Jaguar and Land Rover brands from the Ford Motor Company. People from India will be excited. I guess this is the right time to carry out vehicles to a traditional country like India. The fact that their economic stability has grown stronger for the past years is probably the perfect time to let an average Indian take seat behind the wheel of a Land Rover or a Jaguar.

According to the source, a lot of Indians are showing willingness and excitement to buy and drive their own cars. One of these eager men is Satish Jain, a 42-year-old citizen of India. He spent his fourth hour outside a vehicle showroom in New Delhi, long after the dealership had closed for business that day for he was waiting for the coming of his first-ever car.

ABC asked, “Why did he have to buy his brand new $9,000 Maruti Suzuki Wagon R Wednesday?”

Satish Jain answered: "My priest told me I had to buy the car Wednesday. If any other day, maybe I have an accident, maybe it falls apart. Wednesday, I'll have no problems."

Asking for heavenly automotive guidance was totally expected for a religious Hindu. But as an Indian, Jain had to struggle years of instinct to settle on buying a car.

"I am very happy," he said as he handed over five $300 checks as a down payment. "We have always used rickshaws to get around. Now we can go shopping as a family."

Agra Gets A Timely Makeover

2008-01-01T21:41:00.000-08:00

What will Agra’s New Year’s gift be? Agra – yes, the city of Taj Mahal – will get the much-awaited facelift!

The city which is famed for the quote “Lovers die, but love shall not and death shall have no dominion...” will be undergoing a timely makeover. Taj Mahal, the city that shelters the passion of Shah Jahan and Arjumand Banu – a grand and timeless romantic tale, will be introducing a new project that will get rid of squatters.

The Agra Municipal Corporation has launched one of the biggest cleanliness and anti-squatting drives to make the 500-year-old city live up to its international reputation, reports say.

After initial resistance from shopkeepers in the Loha Mandi and Shah Ganj areas, municipal commissioner Shyam Singh Yadav led his army of 200 cleaners armed with batons, bulldozers and other equipment recently to demolish illegal structures, reported Earth Times.

“The campaign has started showing results and now the encroachers themselves are coming forward to remove illegal constructions,” said Yadav. “The drive will continue till encroachments were removed. Agra has a population of 1.7 million.”

Last year, reports about traffic snarls and chaotic roads were common complains. The scenario is created by encroachments or squatting. “If the district authorities had been vigilant, there would not have been encroachments. The police have not been helpful either,” complained a Nagar Nigam or municipality official.

The stretch between the Loha Mandi road and the upscale Jaipur House neighborhood is now free of squatter and illegal, ugly structures. The Madia Katra crossing too has been widened and cleaned up, the report continued. What’s more, the Agra Development Authority has announced plans to widen and beautify the Fatehabad Road, which leads to the Taj through the tourist complex.

Sameer Gupta, president of the Agra Architects Association, feels the municipality must work out a sustained programme to rid the city of encroachers. The authorities, he said, should first earmark space for street vendors, petty shopkeepers, auto-rickshaws and rickshaws; and build pavements and drains simultaneously by removing encroachments.

“The elected representatives of the people should be deeply involved in the exercise. New rules and laws should be framed to book encroachers. Don't just fine them, a jail can be a deterrent,” Sameer said.

Now, does this mean rickshaws will be put out of Agra's big picture?

How Rickshaws Pamper…

2007-12-28T22:16:00.000-08:00

What do tourists find in rickshaws to make them love them?

"Need a ride, need a ride?" Marc Bullard goaded a couple weighed down recently with shopping bags in Virginia Beach's Town Center. "Looks like you're carrying a lot of stuff."

His friend, Andrew Bargy, caught a glimpse of the woman's high heels and chided, "Those shoes must hurt." Their banter was designed to entice the couple off their feet and into one of their bicycle-drawn rickshaws.

The city's hub of shops, restaurants, apartments and offices might have been designed to be pedestrian-friendly, but Bargy and his company are proving that some people just aren't ready to give up on a set of wheels, according to Hampton Roads.

Since November, Seven Cities Rickshaws has been pedaling people who are too tired, too drunk or too unfamiliar with the 14-block Town Center to hoof it.

Bargy, 36, and his crew of three riders have become nighttime fixtures in Town Center on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. They shuttle riders between the arts center, restaurants, bars and the parking garages. Most of their stops are within three blocks and they charge $2 a person, but they said they earn far more in tips.

"It's kind of a nice little way to get from point A to point B," said Rob Hudome, project manager in the Beach's economic development office. "It's just kind of an amenity or something fun to do. Now that Town Center is maturing, we're trying to grow the entertainment and what's out there."

Some people are drawn to the rickshaws even if they have nowhere to go. Michelle Warren and her friend Mechele Bauer took a rickshaw tour after dinner last week. "We wanted a really good memory of the night," said Warren, who was celebrating her 26th birthday.

Bargy, a carpenter by day, said he got the idea for his business after seeing the rickshaws in Savannah, Ga. For the past two years, he has transported tourists around Sandbridge during the summer.

Bicycle rickshaws have long spun through Asian countries, and they are becoming more common in such Western cities as London and New York.

Bargy wants to eventually expand his rickshaw business. His dream is to set up another operation along the Oceanfront.

Rickshaws may not have the amenities and accessories accompanying BMW 733i radiator, Rolls-Royce engine and more, but they know how to pamper occupants. No wonder they are much loved!

Sad Day

2007-12-19T17:42:00.000-08:00

We've heard about accidents involving rickshaws, but I don't think any of them can compare to this bit of news I gleaned from this site. The report said that 12 children died in an accident which involves a rickshaw and an NLC Troller which I presume is a large truck. This accident happened in Pakistan. This kind of accident is really devastating.

The report reads: "Fourteen people including 12 Children were killed in an accident between NLC Troller and a motor cycle rickshaw on Multan Road near Patoki.

According to details, the accident happened on Wednesday morning at 7:45am near Jhorian Bridge when a NLC Troller coming from Multan fell on a motorcycle rickshaw carrying 17 children of Okara to a school located in Habibabad.

According to police officials, all the dead children were belonged to Sitara Chak, a village of Okara and the accident happened near that village. The people after the incident reached on the spot and have taken out the bodies of the children. The ages of the children are ranging from 7 to 12 years of age.

The dead children identified as Saeeda and Nazia daughters of Nazeer Ahmed, Tasleem Iqbal and Nadeem Iqbal sons of Muhammad Ishaq, Zakia and Iqra daughters of Mansha, Hamayun son of Muhammad Sarwar, Zeeshan son Farooq Ahmed, Muhammad Ali, Muhammad Yaqoob, Ayesha and others. The driver of the Motor Cycle Rickshaw have been identified as Kashif."

It is really devastating for the families of these children. They are so young with the bright futures ahead of them. Unfortunately, we cannot turn back time and stop that accident from happening. Nevertheless, I just hope that this will serve as a reminder to every driver out there t o be extra careful especially if you are driving a vehicle large enough to crush some unknowing children.

Calcutta’s Rickshaw Pullers In Danger

2007-12-17T17:42:00.000-08:00

Rickshaws are considered a significant component of the ancient and modern history in some places around the world. Apparently, people love the tradition and they are very eager to preserve rickshaws until forever. But the question remains: will rickshaws last until the next, next and even the next generations? What are the major reasons why rickshaw pullers are rapidly decreasing? This is the case of the Calcutta rickshaw pullers… Let’s all clear the brake dust shield and find out!

Authorities are protesting to stop rickshaw pullers from doing their job. According to News.BBC.co.UK, they say having pullers, rather than petrol or pedals, power this form of vehicle is cruel. However, veteran and new rickshaw pullers disagree. Many have been taking their position for years and believe they would experience an unsure future if their work is bunged.

Hand-pulled rickshaws are well-known locally in West Bengal as tana rickshaws or the haath rickshaws if you're a non-Bengali.

Abdul Sattar, another veteran rickshaw puller, says: "Come Friday and local police begin to raid the areas where we pull our rickshaws. Often we are locked inside the police stations and fined. If you don't pay the fine, you end up staying longer in the police station. We consider ourselves extremely lucky if we avoid a beating."

"Licenses have either expired or who never got legitimate permission to ply Calcutta streets,” says Sandhi Mukherjee, the assistant commissioner of Calcutta's traffic police. "It's relatively cheap and very handy for short-distance travel, where neither auto-rickshaw nor taxi drivers would agree to drop you."

Bangladesh Rickshaw Pullers’ Lives After The Cyclone

2007-12-16T18:58:00.000-08:00

The famous Bangladesh Rickshaw Pullers in Bangladesh became popular because of their unique designs and pleasant service. But the life of Nasir Howlader's cycle rickshaw changed after a cyclone attacked Bangladesh's rice fields. Howlader is one among the plenty rickshaw pullers in the place but his vehicle's parts were scattered after the cyclone attacked.

Dodge tonneau covers were not part of the lot but according to the rickshaw puller, he just finished paying for the vehicle weeks after the Sidr struck. Rickshaw pulling was also his source of livelihood. And without it, he will not know what to expect in the future.

"I scoured the fields and found a few parts but I've given up now because it's one month; somebody has probably found the other pieces and sold them to the iron shops," the rickshaw puller said after he discovered what happened to his rickshaw.

"In any case, they are not repairable so I will have to take out another loan and start again," added Howlader, at 32, who is living on the badly affected Patuakhali district, about 190 kilometres (120 miles) south of capital Dhaka.

To some people, this is not a great issue but to simple beings like him, this is a major disaster. Bangladesh is regarded as one among the poorest countries in the world with 40 percent of the 144 million population scraping through life on around a dollar a day.

It has been years before he was able to own his rickshaw and before he rented this particular vehicle to survive through life. Now, he is looking forward to moving on and is looking for another source of living.

The New Rickshaw

2007-12-13T16:55:00.000-08:00

We know that rickshaws are gaining popularity outside of India. In New York, London, and other major cities, rickshaw operators are fighting to have rickshaws legalized to travel roads and be flagged down by commuters. There are a lot of benefits of using rickshaws, for one, they are more fuel efficient than most cars due to their small engines. There are even rickshaws which are pedal-powered.

The rickshaws of tomorrow will be more advanced than they are today. According to The Auto Channel, a rickshaw powered by a direct injection gasoline engine will be launched in the near future.

Bajaj Auto recently held a press conference to shed some light on the advanced rickshaw. According to the company, here are some of the benefits of the new rickshaw:

Emissions: The direct injection of fuel as a fine mist controlled precisely with an Electronic Control unit (ECU) avoids escape of unburnt fuel into the exhaust and drastically reduces emissions. The emissions per km on the RE GDi Autorickshaw is 25% lower Autorickshaw for HC+NOX (Hydrocarbons and nitrous oxides) and 50% lower for CO (Carbon Monoxide) than the RE Autorickshaw with virtually no visible smoke. Even more important the emissions are also comparable or lower than the alternate "clean" fuel engines using LPG/CNG.
Economy: The RE GDi delivers a substantial 33% better fuel-efficiency than the conventional RE Autorickshaw. This is a boon to operators in the days of rising fuel prices. The new engine also has an electric oil pump, which is again precisely controlled by the ECU, to deliver savings on oil consumption as well. The pilot group of customers to whom vehicles have been sold are reporting additional income of Rs.80-100/- per day.

These advantages shows that sometimes, rickshaws are better choice than radiator-equipped Kia Spectra.

Rickshaws Wage War Against Global Warming

2007-12-10T20:31:00.000-08:00

Global warming is poised to put a permanent worry line on our forehead. The predicted effects of global warming to the environment as well as to our lives cannot be overemphasized. They’re terrifying. Pretty serious stuff.

According to Delhi's Center for Science and Environment the city faces a winter of smog, with increased risk of respiratory diseases, because the staggering increase in the number of motor vehicles, particularly diesel-fueled vehicles.

At the recent U.N. conference in Bali, politicians have haggled over the best strategy to combat global warming. And one of the probable strategies is the use of bicycle rickshaws.

The rickshaw wallahs have waged war against global warming to be allowed to stay on the crowded streets of the Indian capital. In Delhi alone there are more than 80,000 licensed rickshaws, though the number is estimated to be more than five times that. In some parts of the bustling old city, they can be the only way of accessing narrow lanes. Delhi authorities have indeed banned them from Delhi's main corridors as well as parts of the old city, reported MSNBC.

This is not the first time a city in India has tried to get rid of rickshaws. Calcutta tried recently to forbid the hand-pulled rickshaws, the city's communist authorities arguing these leftovers from the days of the British Raj are inhumane. But the rickshaw pullers don't see it that way.

The wallahs are taking their vengeance. Feisty environmentalists, meanwhile, have taken up their cause. The NGO, Initiative for Transportation and Development Programs, has challenged the ban in the Delhi High Court demanding the authorities provide a dedicated track for the cycle rickshaws on all main roads and further telling the court that the ban on rickshaws would worsen air pollution if cars replaced them.

The police told the court that getting rid of the rickshaws would help make Delhi a "modern" city. "Delhi traffic police are of the opinion that cycle-rickshaws are extremely traffic hazardous and accident-prone," they said in a statement to the court. They said traffic was a nightmare because of the "infiltration," of cycle-rickshaws, the report continued.

Cycle rickshaws may not conform to the Delhi police's view of what makes a modern city, but many capitals of more developed countries are starting to see them as part of the solution to global warming concerns. Matter of fact, they can now be seen in London, Oxford, Paris, Singapore, even New York City, where they are called pedicabs. Also, London's considering a system of licensing for cycle rickshaws.

In Delhi, the High Court is still chewing over the environmentalists' petition. But I hope they’d be able to promulgate a sound decision. Undeniably, it’s nice to see auto body parts on the roads rather than rickshaws. But if the remedy is on the contrary, why negate?

Wagon Trains

2007-12-06T22:16:00.000-08:00

I’ve been thinking of what stuff should I post here next and it gave me a hard time last night! To lessen the headache, I watched some TV programs instead. I was amused by the movie from HBO. It’s one of my favorite films… Back to the Future III! It’s the third part of the trilogy where Doc and Marty went back to the old Wild West. I was enjoying the flick when suddenly I got an idea what to write on this blog - finally!

The movie featured horses, old trains and wagons. I was intrigued by the vehicle called train wagons. So I’ve done a little research about the stuff and this is what I have for you today!

A wagon train consists of an extended chain of wagons moving together and creating a line. In other regions of the world, other types of caravans and convoys were frequently used such as the camel trains in Australia, while wagon trains were ordinary in the Old West. The wagon trains permitted our ancestors to journey together for safety.

A chuck wagon is included for foods and transporting supplies from one destination to another when wagon trains take a trip. Wagon trains were frequently shaped into a circle, for self-defense reasons during night time for shelter from the wind and for other severe types of weather. It also secures the animals that pull the wagons in the middle to prevent them from running away. In our present world, covered wagon trains are used to give a genuine experience for those who long to travel around the West as it was in the days of the founders and other groups wandering before modern vehicles were produced. Train wagons are indeed dependable for travelers with their sturdy performance parts.

When Rickshaw Drivers Complain

2007-12-06T16:24:00.000-08:00

Rickshaw drivers have been complaining about being regular victims of physical and verbal abuse from the city’s taxi trade. One of the rickshaw drivers have been seen complaining about a group of taxi drivers after he was pulled out of his rickshaw and was assaulted by these drivers. Another rickshaw driver complained about the attack he experienced from a Taser stun gun by a disgruntled cabbie. There are also rickshaw drivers who are also students complaining that most of the time, they experience being thrown cigarette butts.

The attack was done by a core minority of cabbies because according to them, these rickshaw drivers were seen muscling on their livelihood. More taxi drivers received different complaints about it which adds up to the growing tension between rickshaw drivers and taxi drivers.

A 28-year-old rickshaw driver from Marchmont named Neil Hartop claimed he was attacked last November 25 on George Street by three guys who told him they were black taxi drivers.

Hartop said: "They got in and started kicking my back, saying they were fed up with the pedicabs. I stopped and said I wasn't taking them any further and one of them headbutted me.

“I fell to the ground and they kicked me before they got in the back of a taxi. I was really shook up but thought I would just get more hassle if I reported it." Just like wholesale auto parts, the news is also available online. You can check it out yourself for further details.

According to the police chiefs, they did not receive any complaints about attack but they are encouraging the victims to complain about it. Phil Varley, the owner of Edinburgh Pedicabs, said: "It is obviously concerning for our drivers, but it only seems to involve a hardcore minority of taxi drivers."

In 2000, there were only two operating pedicabs. But this time, the fleet will be around 60 pedicabs already.

Murray Fleming, the secretary of Central Radio Cabs, said: "It is very easy to cast aspersions. More generally, there is concern among the taxi trade about the safety aspects of pedicabs and the big increase in their number."

Green Rickshaw

2007-12-04T16:54:00.000-08:00

In the auto industry, green is in. With the price of petroleum fuel skyrocketing, it is not surprising that automakers like Toyota are developing and manufacturing hybrid vehicles which use electricity to power the vehicle during light operation thus reducing its need to burn petroleum fuel. Today, we can see more and more automakers coming up with concept vehicles which run on hydrogen while some runs solely on electricity. It is only a shame that electric rickshaws are yet to be produced right?

Actually, an electric rickshaw has already been manufactured but whether it is being widely used today is something I am still discovering. The electric rickshaw in question is the Yamaha Powerhorse 302 which has been developed for the 2005 Tokyo World Expo. At the said event taxis are not permitted so Yamaha came up with the electric rickshaw which transported event goers to the show.

Said rickshaw is powered by a battery pack but it still has a pedal. Why? Maybe because without the pedal it will be a taxi which as I've told were not permitted at the event. Actually, the battery pack only makes it easier for the driver to pedal. You know what that means? That translates to no unpleasant view of your driver's sweaty back as you ride at the coach of the rickshaw.

Yamaha though said that they are not yet decided whether they should import the electric rickshaw which are streamlined like some Acura CL fender. Today, rickshaws are becoming more and more popular not only in Asian countries but also in industrialized countries like the United Kingdom and the United States where the move to legalize rickshaw operations is being undertaken.

Cabs vs. Rickshaws

2007-11-29T05:51:00.000-08:00

Given the chance to choose, are you gonna replace rickshaws with cabs?

"Licensed To Kill" reads a two-page newspaper ad, with a picture of nervous children in the back of a bicycle rickshaw decorated with a skull and crossbones. The ad is paid for by taxi drivers and it's the latest salvo in a battle for customers pitting London's black cabs against the city's rickshaw drivers, according to Reuters.

Now its cabs versus rickshaws. Cabbies versus rickshaw drivers.

Authorities are now considering giving licenses for “pedicabs” after about a decade of license-free operation. So let the showdown begin…

In the mid-1990s a London company discovered a loophole in the Public Carriage Act that allows bicycle taxis to pick up customers without requiring a taxi license, the report said. Since then, the center of the capital has become crammed with rickshaws every night as bars and theatres close.

"Pedicabs" are an environmentally friendly way to cover short distances in a crowded city, said the rickshaw-rental firms. But rivals, such as the drivers of black cabs, call rickshaws a pest clogging the streets.

"The biggest myth is that these things are green. You get a rickshaw with a drunk in the back. Then you get a bus packed with passengers stuck chugging along at 5 miles an hour behind it. Somebody please tell me how that is green?" said Steve McNamara, spokesman for the Licensed Taxi Drivers Association.

There are about 600 bicycle taxis on the city's streets, authorities said. To note, cabbies have tried and failed in legal attempts to keep them off the streets, after courts decided that the taxi license laws do not apply to bikes.

Although black cabbies say they are dangerous, so far rickshaws in London have not been involved in serious accidents. Rickshaw companies, meanwhile, noted traffic in central London moves so slowly anyway that there is little danger from a crash.

At present, Bugbug rents a fleet of about 65 rickshaws to drivers for 270 pounds monthly, and also sells advertising on the sides of the vehicles. Drivers can charge what they like.

Chris Smallwood, Bugbug founder, said his drivers are trained, and covered with 5 million pounds of insurance. The vehicles are fitted with lights and seatbelts -- unlike those of newer firms that have since entered the market. Smallwood hopes upcoming legislation will define "pedicabs" properly and offer licenses to meet safety standards. Otherwise, the industry will go "to the lowest common denominator." "You've got bikes with no lights, no insurance. That's not a reason to ban it. That's a reason to license it," he noted.

True, rickshaws may not have that posh Acura CL auto body parts but they are much-loved.

Santa’s Amazing Sleigh

2007-11-28T19:14:00.000-08:00

…You better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pout I’m telling you why, Santa Claus is coming to town! Oh I can’t wait for Christmas; I guess we’re all excited!

Sometimes we feel kind of fed up with all the rickshaw updates here. So I decided to share a one of a kind post. I came up with something very cool and of course, it is somehow rickshaw related. We are all familiar with the sleigh or the sled right? This is the stuff I’m talking about! And it’s not just an ordinary sleigh because it has to do something with Christmas. Yes sir, it’s Santa Claus’ sleigh!

The world renowned story goes like this: Before Christmas Eve, the elves prepared all the gifts that will be distributed to kids around the world. Santa makes sure the list is right and complete. The big man verifies all the packages with the help of these cute little elves. And finally, after putting all the gifts in the sack, Santa will now ride his magical sleigh! He calls up Rudolph with the red nose to guide the pack of reindeers during their travel… then up they go!

Isn’t that a great story to share with the kids? The sleigh is the coolest stuff in the story. Even though it doesn’t have any great parts like Acura belts, Santa’s sleigh is simply amazing. It can fly and it is as fast as an F1 racecar.

Now I’m going to leave you with a cool song about Santa’s sleigh. Check this out and you might as well sing along!

* Sleigh Ride *

Just hear those sleigh bells jingling,
ring ting tingling too
Come on, it's lovely weather
for a sleigh ride together with you,
Outside the snow is falling
and friends are calling "Yoo hoo,"
Come on, it's lovely weather
for a sleigh ride together with you.

Giddy yap, giddy yap, giddy yap,
let's go, Let's look at the show,
We're riding in a wonderland of snow.
Giddy yap, giddy yap, giddy yap,
it's grand, Just holding your hand,
We're gliding along with a song
of a wintry fairy land.

Our cheeks are nice and rosy
and comfy cozy are we
We're snuggled up together
like two birds of a feather would be
Let's take that road before us
and sing a chorus or two
Come on, it's lovely weather
for a sleigh ride together with you.

There's a birthday party
at the home of Farmer Gray
It'll be the perfect ending a perfect day
We'll be singing the songs
we love to sing without a single stop,
At the fireplace while we watch
the chestnuts pop. Pop! pop! pop!

There's a happy feeling
nothing in the world can buy,
When they pass around the chocolate
and the pumpkin pie
It'll nearly be like a picture print
by Currier and Ives
These wonderful things are the things
we remember all through our lives!
of a wintry fairy land

The Dog Sled

2007-11-23T21:44:00.000-08:00

There’s not much interesting updates about rickshaws lately that’s why I considered posting a different kind of subject right here…

It’s all about dog sleds. Are you familiar with this stuff? I know you’ve seen them on television and usually they are often spotted on icy areas used by Eskimos etc. A dog sled is a sled pulled by one or more sled dogs to travel over ice and through snow. Several types of sleds are used depending on their function.

If you already watched the movie Eight Below starring Paul Walker with the eight skilled Siberian Huskies, that’s the perfect example of an efficient dog sled that can travel and maneuver through thick snow and slippery ice. Dog sleds play an important role to some cold regions in the world wherein they are considered as the basic mode of transportation… aside from walking!

Pedicab Ad

2007-11-19T18:23:00.000-08:00

You might think that pedicabs are only popular in India, but you might not be aware that pedicabs are already making big waves in the transportation industry in some of the bigger cities in the United States. In New York, Portland, Denver, and other cities, pedicabs are picking up passengers and they are, at the same time, helping protect the environment as they use pedal power. And recently, pedicab drivers and operators have a new source of income and that is advertising.

There are distinct advantages in advertising on pedicabs. Gary Geske, the owner of Pedaltek, a Phoenix-based pedicab company, said: "The difference with pedicabs is they’re sitting at eye level. You’re not driving by them at 60 mph. The drivers are in constant circulation, so the chance to see one of them two or three or four times a night is high. They go places where billboard trucks can’t go. On the Fourth of July we went up and down Mill Avenue in Tempe where cars can’t go, but the crowds do."

Here are the details of Pedaltek's advertising sideline:

Lead-time is a week to 10 days from submission of creative.
Most campaigns are for a year, Geske says. There is a premium for shorter flights.
The two types of signage are a 30 square foot backlit wrap and a 20 square foot four-sided wrap.
The advertiser provides creative and Pedaltek takes care of production and installation.
Ads are available in downtown Phoenix, Tempe and Scottsdale.

This shows that pedicabs are not only good because they do not produce greenhouse gases like Volkswagen shocks-equipped automobiles but also because of their flexibility. Large companies have already placed their ads on pedicabs showing that this is not just a fad. Here are some of them: Wells Fargo, Budweiser, Kinko’s, General Motors, Hooters, J.P. Morgan, Altoids, Microsoft, Yahoo, Celestial Seasonings, Sam Adams, Coca-Cola and MSN.

Another Rickshaw Accident

2007-11-19T16:28:00.000-08:00

We are already fed with lots of news about rickshaw accidents on the net. And where else can you find the most rickshaws in the world but in India? Yup, rickshaw accidents happen there - most of the time.

The national highway was closed by police officers due to an accident between a police car and a rickshaw. The police car dashed on the rickshaw. The puller of the rickshaw received injuries as well as the policemen riding the car. The accident happened at Hajiyapur Chowk.

The incident took place when the police car that belonged to the Barauli police station went against the rickshaw injuring the puller at Hajiyapur. The rickshaw was on a trip back to Barauli from Gopalganj town. The policemen riding the car received several injuries because of the accident, says sources.

The rickshaw puller was rushed to the Sadar Hospital. SDPO Anil Kumar, the officer in-charge Mukesh Kumar, rushed to the spot with SAP jawans. This information was taken from the Times Of India.

There is no Kia sephia radiator found damaged at the said accident. After seeing the accident, the public became agitated and starting pelting stones at the police car. The police officers used their power to disperse the mob.

Rickshaws In Oxford

2007-11-16T17:21:00.000-08:00

Wouldn't it be more fun if you visit an industrialized county and find rickshaws being the vehicle of choice for commuters? And I don't mean those rickshaws which are powered by motorcycles. What I meant are those powered by bicycles as they are more eco-friendly and, well, more romantic in a way.

In Oxford, rickshaw operators are lobbying for the government to allow them to pick up passengers. Ted Maxwell, a history student, is leading the charge as he set up a rickshaw business in the city of England. He had five vehicles shipped to Oxford from the United States last September. These vehicles are now being employed across the city but there is a limitation to the whole rickshaw operation.

Since rickshaws are not normally found on city streets of large and industrialized countries like England, their operation requirements are not written down in the law. Today, rickshaws are permitted to operate on the city streets of Oxford provided that they only carry passengers who have already booked their trip. They are prohibited from picking up passengers who flag them down. For them to be able to do that, they should have a taxi license.

Maxwell said that they are in favor of regulating rickshaws but not like taxis. "We still want them to be licensed and regulated, but not as taxis, as they are now," said Maxwell who is the grandson of the late tycoon Robert Maxwell. "At the moment we're ticking over, but it's not going to be as successful or as useful to people in Oxford until we can be flagged down - that's all part of the fun."

While it may seem that he is in the business for fun, Maxwell is dead serious about expanding rickshaw operations in the city. He is the one who called for a voluntary code of conduct for rickshaw drivers. He started this so that even if there are no laws governing their operation, rickshaw drivers will be well organized. This will go a long way in convincing the government to permit them to pick up passengers.

Even Sid Phelps, a committee chairman for the city, said that they are in favor of using rickshaws on city streets. These vehicles which are designed to be as reliable as Honda exhaust parts are also more eco-friendly than other means of transportation. "Everybody wants rickshaws to operate safely in Oxford," said Phelps. "We're not against rickshaws - they're a great idea for tourism and sustainable transport," he added.

2-Stroke Rickshaws To Stay 'Til 2010

2007-11-14T01:55:00.000-08:00

Enjoy the rickshaws while you can still have them around. Know why? Because the Government of Sindh has accepted the demand of 2-stroke rickshaw owners and has extended their stay until October 2010.

Sources in the Sindh law department said that the Sindh High Court (SHC) had also granted conditional permission to the government to extend the deadline and so has Sindh Chief Minister Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim, reported the Daily Times. They said a notification was in process. But when asked on what conditions the SHC had granted permission, sources said the details of the conditions will be released after an official notification was issued.

Earlier, Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan had extended the deadline to mid-2008 after being persuaded by rickshaw owners.

Registrations for new 2-stroke rickshaws have been banned and under the directives of the SHC, they have to be phased out as soon as possible. Under the present relaxation provided to phase-out faulty rickshaws, which are a major source of pollution in the city, owners of rickshaws would be bound to replace their vehicles by October 2010, the report continued.

According to an estimate, sources said that there were around 50,000 auto-rickshaws plying on the city’s roads and almost all of them were two-stroke. They were causing environmental degradation. “Around 0.2 to 0.3 million people were dependent on these rickshaw drivers which had refrained the government from taking strict action against them,” the data stated.

Air pollution and water pollution levels in Karachi had crossed national and international environment quality standards posing serious threats to the lives of the citizens, said a SUPARCO report. The main sources of degradation of the environment are smoke-emitting buses and rickshaws, which also cause rise in noise pollution, it added.

We only have less than three years, might as well enjoy them now for the future of rickshaws in Sindh will be blurry. Environment issues will soon keep them away from the territory.

Rickshaw Bagworks Makes The Eco-Chic Baby Bag

2007-11-13T17:32:00.000-08:00

Just like any other car maker making green cars, Healthy Child Healthy World and babystyle® is doing the same thing with the products they are making. The Rickshaw Bagworks together with the Seventh Generation made the “Wee Generation” to push through the green movement of making quality and durable products for kids using green materials. Rickshaw Bagworks is known because of its expertise in terms of style, and they make functional bags specifically made for the lifestyle of the urban bicyclist and other vehicle drivers. The product maker is based in San Francisco.

Rickshaw Bagworks is a new company handled by both industry veterans Mark Dwight and Rob Honeycutt. The new company is doing eco-friendly product for the kids with the help of the famous green designer William McDonough and IDEO, which is also recognized as the world’s most innovative product design firm. The Cradle To Cradle bag made for kids and drivers are made up of raw materials from the environment. Just like Lexus shocks, these bags are also made up of quality and can be used by the drivers of the different vehicles like richshaws.

“We’re delighted to join the Wee Generation team in their effort to promote healthy lifestyles for parents and their newborns and embrace the Cradle To Cradle design philosophy. Designing bags for new parents presents an interesting combination of functional and aesthetic design challenges, along with sourcing durable, eco-friendly materials that withstand the rigors of everyday use,” said Mark Dwight, CEO of Rickshaw Bagworks.

Renault To Replace India’s Rickshaw

2007-11-07T00:16:00.000-08:00

Are rickshaws facing extinction? Oh-no. Couldn’t be. Not that popular ride in India.

But automakers are planning to replace rickshaws with cars. The most ardent automaker, by far, is Renault-Nissan.

Renault-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn touched down in India twice on Oct. 29, making pit stops in his frenetic bid to grab a piece of the emerging global market for ultra-cheap cars. After inking a joint venture for low-cost vans and trucks in Chennai with Ashok Leyland, he flew to Pune in his corporate jet to kick the tires at the factory of Bajaj Auto, India's No. 2 motorcycle maker and a potential partner in Ghosn's quest to engineer a $3,000 car by 2010, BusinessWeek reported. A project could surface any time now.

Tata Motors is hot on Renault's heels in a drive to manufacture and distribute the most affordable car in India. Ghosn needs to quicken the pace. In the race to develop the world's cheapest car for emerging markets, he's about to be lapped. India's Tata Motors intends to introduce its long-awaited $2,500 car next year.

In 2003, Tata Chairman Ratan Tata said the company will build a people's car for India costing 100,000 rupees ($2,500). Back then, the project was greeted with pervasive cynicism. Now, as the automaker prepares to unveil the daring experiment at the New Delhi Auto Expo, Western auto chiefs including Ghosn are starting to fret.

"The challenge is to build a low-cost car that makes money," noted Ghosn. At the Tokyo Motor Show in late October, Ghosn predicted Renault-Nissan could have a $3,000 car on the market by 2010, though he has yet to clinch a joint venture for the project in India. "We know Tata is announcing this car in the Indian market in 2008. And if Tata can do it, we can do it," Ghosn said in Tokyo.

Ghosn is keen to nab an Indian partner to do "frugal engineering" on a $3,000 car, since Indian engineers are more able to break with Western automotive traditions and think outside the box, he said. Western experts agree that engineers will have to entirely "rethink" how to dramatically slash production costs to produce a budget-friendly car without compromising quality.

"Low-price vehicles are not vehicles of inferior quality equipped with the most basic components," said Wolf-Henning Scheider, president of the gasoline systems division at German auto supplier Robert Bosch. "They are inexpensive technical solutions produced using state-of-the-art components."

During his visit to the Bajaj motorcycle plant in Pune, Ghosn and top execs of the Renault spent an hour in discussion with Managing Director Rajiv Bajaj, toured the plant, and spoke to workers about the opportunity Ghosn envisioned for a joint venture. He also took a ride in a Bajaj 3-wheel rickshaw—the popular, inexpensive vehicle that a $3,000 car would compete with.

Renault-Nissan already has partnered with Mahindra & Mahindra, a truck maker, in a joint venture to produce some 400,000 cars annually starting in 2009. Ghosn said a future $3,000 model might be exported to Western markets for $5,000.

"Cost is the main challenge, and we have to make it robust," Ghosn concluded.

Could Renault make us forget rickshaws? How about Kia shocks and other auto parts accessories? Let's see...

Auto-Rickshaw Ride For A Cause

2007-11-05T16:49:00.000-08:00

Auto-rickshaw isn’t an ordinary mode of transportation when you want to travel across territories. To defy this notion, a couple dares to venture in a long journey riding on an auto-rickshaw.

A fearless British couple is about to embark in a unique auto-rickshaw ride to serve an end. The couple is ready to get on a 3000-mile journey across India and into Nepal by an auto-rickshaw to raise funds for charity.

Hounslow-based Kris Mesie and his partner Michelle Etherington will arrive in Kochi, Kerala, on Dec 30 before embarking on a trip through India to Kathmandu, riding the auto-rickshaw, reported The Hindustan Times. The couple will ride in their auto-rickshaw to raise funds for charity organizations such as Mercy Corps, Water Aid and a charity that helps stop women and children in India becoming victims of the sex trade, the report continued.

Mesie told reporters in London:

We will do our damnedest to force 150ccs of Indian engineering over some of the most questionable roads and terrain in about two weeks. We have no backup or assistance along the way. So routes, where to sleep and getting out of tricky and possibly dangerous situations is all down to us.

The whole idea makes no sense apart from the helping charity bit. We are eager to get support from business in the borough and we'll gladly wear company logos and decorate our trusty steed with the same.

It’s pretty rare to have cause-oriented ventures like this. Though, it’s kinda absurd but the purpose is very much appreciated. Helping charities and doing heart-warming activities are things to be proud of.

I wish the couple safe journey.

Auto Rickshaws During The Halloween

2007-11-04T16:54:00.000-08:00

It was a very long weekend for me and Halloween was a blast. I partied with my family and some friends in our hometown to celebrate the Halloween festivities. Our town hosted several programs with amusing events such as concerts, games, parties and ballroom.

We had so much fun during the whole weekend and we spent the days with various recreational activities that gave me the pleasure to relax and forget about work for the meantime. My short vacation was highlighted when we toured around the town riding on auto rickshaws, with me on the driver’s seat. It was absolutely fun and we did nothing but to have the best times in our lives while happily riding on the cool vehicle. I never felt the stress - instead, I had peace of mind that detached me from the stressing environment in the office. I will never ever forget last week’s Halloween celebration… and of course, the auto rickshaw that made it more fun!

The Boda Boda In Africa

2007-10-26T00:40:00.000-07:00

Boda-boda is a term pertaining to the bicycle taxi in East Africa. In English, it can be translated to "border-border". In some areas in Africa, the bicycle taxi is called bodaboda.

Of course, the rickshaw does not have the Volkswagen Passat radiator on its parts but it is also made up of wheels and some piece of wood propelled by a human by means of pushing. And not only in Africa that the boda boda is present. In India, Pakistan, Indonesia and other Asian countries, this vehicle is also present. They call it rickshaw.

The Boda-Boda is parts of the bicycle history in Africa. The operation of Boda-boda in Africa started in the 1960s and until now, they still using the ancient vehicle. These vehicles are still present in the Kenyan - Ugandan border to other regions where it all originated. The vehicle was made because of the "no-man's-land" between the border posts without the paperwork involved with using motor vehicles crossing the international border as the Wikipedia informed.

You will also see the boda-boda on the southern border crossing town of Busia (Uganda) and you will noticed rickshaw drivers are shouting "Boda-boda!" The route extends to the northern border town of Malaba (Kenya). The call is an invite to potential customers to ride the boda-boda. Just like a PUV in the Philippines. They call it the jeepney.

Rickshaw Operation Snuffed Out In LA

2007-10-25T21:06:00.000-07:00

Downtown LA is one huge nightmare for motorists. Traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emission are just some of the problems on the streets of Los Angeles. That's why businessman Mike Echols though he would be helping the city if he operates 30 or so rickshaws near Staples Center. But no, the Department of Transportation snuffed out his idea even after positive feedbacks from different community sectors.

Actually, the shutting down of a rickshaw service of Mr. Echols is the second time that such a thing happened in just two months. It was Eric Green, a Downtown hotel doorman whose rickshaw business was shut down first. That happened in late August. The reason why the DOT prohibited Green from operating what he class the "Green Machine" is the contraption's safety. Meanwhile, Echols' MagiCab Express was shut down because the DOT argues that pedicabs are not licensed by the city.

Echols said that the idea of operating pedicabs in downtown Los Angeles came to him about four years ago. "I was going to a Lakers game and I was late," recalled Echols. "I said, there has to be a quicker way to get to Staples Center from the parking lot."

He then started a mission to make his dream of operating pedicabs in the city a possibility. The enterprising Echols found a board order which have the city's Transportation Commission way back in 1986. It covers different requirements for pedicabs to comply with to be able to operate within the city. Echols assumed that other pedicabs services have been shut down because they have never checked with the city's transportation-sanctioning body. Thus, he started his business with much research on the legislations being enforced in the city.

Unfortunately for him, the DOT still snuffed his plan to establish a pedicab transport system on the congested streets of Los Angeles. It seems that the DOT would rather have Mitsubishi alternator-equipped vehicles and other makes of automobile running on the streets of Los Angeles than eco-friendly pedicabs.

Sensex’s Expensive, Try Investing In Rickshaws

2007-10-17T01:55:00.000-07:00

It’s quite tempting to invest in Bombay Stock Exchange Sensitive Index but we know that Sensex is an expensive venture. The number one rule in doing investments is: invest what you can afford to lose. So far, what you can afford to lose isn’t enough to make it big in the investment realm. Do you think the financial barometer of the Indian stock market would appreciate your contribution?

Investing in the likes of Sensex is impressed with overwhelming risks. To be successful, you must have the winning psychology. You have to know when to keep going especially when the going gets tough. Also, you have to step on the brakes when you need to make a stop. The euphoria could make you greedy. The risks could make you fearful. And these traits could make or unmake you as an investor.

If you are a novice in the investment industry and you have limited capital, might as well try other economic ventures. Opening a Mazda Protégé 5 car truck parts isn’t a bad idea. But how’d you like to invest in rickshaws?

To stress, if you invest in mutual funds, it could give a return of around 20% to 30% annually. Rickshaw investment, meanwhile, could give you 12% to 84%. Imagine the difference!

“Almost 47,000 people have taken loans from us for purchasing a rickshaw so far,” said Chandrashekhar Ghosh, founder and chief of Kolkata-based microfinance institution Bandhan. Ghosh believes rickshaws are worth investing in. The company has 411 branches across the nation and gets about Rs. 46 crore monthly to serve 76,000 new people each month.

Bandhan, a registered institution, offers loans, usually paid back in a year, at an interest rate of 12.5% annually and also gets bank funding.

Typically a Rs. 5,000 rickshaw costs Rs. 5,625 under Bandhan’s scheme. The offer is open only to women because they are deemed more creditworthy. But women can borrow on behalf of men.

On the other hand, the owner can pay Rs 125 weekly and pay off the loan in 52 weeks to an institution like Bandhan as against Rs 125 to Rs 245 that a puller would pay as rent to the dealer.

Hindustan Times reported:

There is no formal avenue for the average investor just yet. Smart operators are doing it quietly at high rates while microfinance institutions are offering much cheaper loans to do the same. But there is definitely a fortune at the bottom of the transport pyramid for those who care and dare.

A cycle rickshaw with its various components put together costs around Rs 5,000. The owner needs to get a passing licence from the local municipal authorities, which in Delhi costs Rs. 50 per year. It costs Rs. 400 per month to maintain a rickshaw while rent for enough space to place a rickshaw in a godown would be about Rs. 300, Delhi’s rickshaw pullers say.

A rickshaw puller pays roughly Rs. 25 to 35 per day as rent to the dealer, which on a monthly basis works out to Rs. 750 to Rs. 1,050. A one-time charge of Rs. 20 is all that a rickshaw puller needs for a license, something that is rarely used anyway.

“I make about Rs. 120 a day from which I pay off the rent,” said Mahesh, a rickshaw-wallah in West Delhi’s Subhash Nagar.

A rentier makes anything between Rs. 50 to 350 per month on a one-time investment of Rs. 5,000. At this rate, the return can be anything between 12 to 84 per cent per annum, although the reality is likely to be towards the higher end. However, dealers who lend cycle rickshaws to the poor deny they make so much profit.

“Rickshaws do not run throughout the year,” said Suresh Kumar, a West Delhi dealer who rents out rickshaws.

Rickshaws Out, Taxis In

2007-10-15T18:04:00.000-07:00

This maybe an old story to kick up that eco-friendliness in the India. It has been long discussed but another order is to be placed making these rickshaws replaced by taxis soon. Rickshaws are known to be harmful to the environment and taxis can be converted into greener cars avoiding too much harm to our environment. The government has requested these rickshaws to be out of the market in four years' period.

These auto rickshaws will be replaced by taxis and drivers of rickshaws are given privilege to replace all their rickshaws with cars with the help of bank loans up to the maximum of Rs. 4 lakh at three per cent interest as reported by The Hindu this early morning before I decided to look for Honda CR-V custom parts.

The amount given by the bank will help these rickshaw drivers to own either a Tata Indica or a Maruti van.

There are more than 1.10 lakh autos replaced by taxis on the road in the twin cities as well as in other municipalities which has joined the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation. The public is forced to need more than just the existing amount of 2,000 units. Over 2,500 more buses are still needed.

Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy, the Chief Minister, has already given the go signal to finally push through with the plan and go ahead with the proposal which will be happening in the meeting this coming Thursday. He also suggested that the easiest way for these drivers is to have their own cars through the existence of low-interest loans with the coordination of the State Level Bankers Committee.

K. Lakshminarayana, the Transport Minister, revealed to the government that he is planning to have a few talks with the auto union leaders this coming October 24th to finally settle the issue of installing digital meters on autos. The committee has already resolved the issue by submitting the report with recommendations.

However, the government failed at the attempt earlier because of some problems.

A Hot Police Pursuit... On A Rickshaw!

2007-10-10T18:40:00.000-07:00

Isn’t it odd to hear something like this? We are familiar with police chases as dramatic, dangerous, wild and definitely fast. Police cars are wickedly quick that’s why criminals won’t go that far after minutes during a hot pursuit. But this extraordinary news from http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/ tells us that chasing criminals need not to be as fast as Ford Crown Victoria mobiles or Acura cars with the best Acura parts! A rickshaw can do the task - silently and efficiently!

According to the news, two officers were asked to help take into custody a dangerous criminal hanging around the other side of town. The problem is, they have no means of transportation at that time to respond to the call of duty. But they were left with only one peculiar option. Guess what? The two officers seized a rickshaw and peddled to the view where they have their suspect.

PCs Ann-Marie Rosier and Sue Beament jumped right into one of the pedicabs and asked another rickshaw to take action as an outrider as they ripped through Hereford town centre. They were on patrol when the emergency distress call came through that their fellow officers were trying to catch a man with an assault accusation for violating his bail conditions. The officers were just 800 metres from the view, but a group of hectic roads are set between them and their bust. The two cops hurriedly pedaled in order to save time. The female officers chose not to run due to the distance because they would be too exhausted to give some severe assistance when they arrived at the scene. They search out the rickshaws instead. In just a few ticks of the clock, the officers had arrested the man. He was taken to the Hereford Police Station in a patrol car and is now in custody.

"We knew that if we ran the distance it may take too long and when we arrived we probably would not have been in the best condition to help out our colleagues so when the pedicabs turned up we used out initiative and hopped on board," said one police office.

Her colleague, PC Beament, added: "It was great timing on their part. Will and Ben did a fantastic job to get us there so quickly."

They really got the spirit of it and were ringing their bells to warn people that they were coming.

"I even tried making a siren noise myself - but the bells were far more effective!" Pedicab rider Will Vaughan, 26, described the incredible drama.

He said: "It was about 8 o'clock and Ben and I had just done a multiple drop off at Castle Green for some chaps, Ben dropped his lot where he was an we agreed to meet in a few minutes."

"Imagine my surprise when as I came down the hill I saw two Police officers in the back of Ben's cab with Ben going like the clappers whilst they pointed to a distant figure."

A Suicide Bomber Kills 15 People

2007-10-04T17:19:00.000-07:00

We are used to hearing stories about suicide bombers and the net has all kinds of stories about it. This time, a rickshaw driver in Pakistan killed 15 people when he offered himself as the suicide bomber on the North West Frontier Province last Monday. There were 15 people killed during the suicide bombing and 30 more people were injured.

The Geo TV reported that the rickshaw driver attacked the crowded bus in Bannu. According to the officials who responded to the scene, there were three women among those who died during the explosion.

According to the statement made by an Interior Ministry spokesman, the rickshaw driver who was the suicide bomber was wearing a Muslim veil or a burga but the gender as well as the identity of the killer was not identified.

Afghanistan is one among the countries that experiences this type of murder. India Times have reported that the region in Afghanistan have been noted to experience bombing attacks since July. This is also the reason why the Afghanistan Military killed more than a hundred suspects of extremists in a raid.

This Saturday, Pakistan is scheduled to undergo a political debate in connection to the scheduled election.

Boda-Boda Taxi

2007-10-03T19:49:00.000-07:00

Sounds strange, right? I know most of us are unaware of some exotic man-propelled vehicles such as the Boda-Boda. These vehicles may not have the best auto accessories like the GMC pickup alignment kit or Mercedes fenders, but they are marvelous in their own little and extra ordinary ways! If you want to learn more about the Boda-Boda, munch these bits of information I have provided courtesy of the free encyclopedia online, Wikipedia.com!

Boda-boda taxis are elements of the African bicycle culture. They began in the 1960s and 1970s and are still actively functions from their origin on the Kenyan, the Ugandan boundary to other regions. The name originally came from a must to bring people across the "no-mans-land" stuck between the border posts without the formalities caught up with using motor vehicles traveling over international borders. Boda-boda began in southern border crossing towns of Busia (Uganda), where there is more than half a mile between the gates and rapidly broaden to the northern border town of Malaba (Kenya). The bicycle owners would shout out boda-boda (border-to-border) to potential customers - not to be confused with poda-poda, which is a form of shared taxi in Sierra Leone.

Indian or Chinese standard roadster bicycles are used with locally made carriers and a cushion to transport passengers and goods. There are big advantages compared to the expensive, slow and heavy Cycle rickshaw used in Asia.

Professional bodaboda taxi-drivers are common in several East African and Central African cities and villages. Bodaboda organizations have been founded in a lot of towns. They help to minimize the risks (dangerous driving, badly maintained bikes) by registering and licensing their members.

Motorbikes are replacing bicycles today… the moped boda-boda. While the boda-boda bicycle is still used in other areas, in its area of origin, especially in cities in Kenya and Uganda, the bicycles are more and more replaced by motorbikes. The motorbike-taxis have taken the name bodaboda as well, though in Uganda, the Swahili term for motorbike, piki-piki, is used to describe motorbike boda-bodas.. In 2004, it was estimated that more than 200,000 men in Uganda were working using the bicycle bodaboda and already almost 90,000 having the motorized motorbike bodaboda.

Salaat-e-Nijaat To Topple Pakistan Government

2007-09-28T17:34:00.000-07:00

In Karachi, the provincial capital of the Sindh province in Pakistan, individuals who are depending on rickshaws for their financial needs are protesting against the government. According to the dailytimes.com, rickshaw owners are used to making a lot of noise. And this is what they are doing now that the government has banned rickshaws from entering certain parts of Karachi due to the pollution that they produce. As this will wreak havoc to their already meager incomes, rickshaw owners rise up in protest.

As part of their protests, the Karachi Taxi and Rickshaw Owners Association urges affected individuals to perform Salaat-e-Nijaat which I think translates to prayer for deliverance. Karachi Taxi and Rickshaw Owners Association president Haziful Haq Hasanzai said: "We have urged our people to perform Salaat-e-Nijaat so that Allah may topple the present government. We strongly condemn the government’s efforts to create no-go zones for rickshaws from Sohrab Goth to Mereweather Tower." The announcement that rickshaws will no longer be permitted to enter certain areas came on the first of Ramadan which is ironic in the sense that the month is meant to be for blessings but many will be having hard times after the announcement came out.

Rickshaw owners are not the only ones who will be affected by the decision. Like when a Hyundai Santa Fe radiator malfunctions, other auto parts will also be affected, so is the situation in Karachi. Others who will be affected by the government are mechanics, dent rectifiers, painters, hood fabricators, body manufacturers, oil changers, washers, spare parts manufacturer, spare parts dealers, retailers, suppliers, and shop keepers. Such is the importance of rickshaw in Karachi.

For me, the decision of the government to disallow rickshaws from certain areas of the city is kinda erroneous. That's because it will not solve the problem on pollution. Although rickshaws cannot go to some parts of the city, the pollution that they produce will still be felt by the city. Instead of stopping rickshaw owners from operating on some parts of the city, the government should have funded a program that will make rickshaws much cleaner than they are today. I am sure that even old rickshaws when tuned properly will produce less greenhouse gases.

Rickshaw operators are saying that if this is the way that the government thinks, then they should also ban buses, trucks, motorcycles and cars from entering certain parts of the city because some of these vehicles also produces a lot of greenhouse gases. I just hope that both sides will reach an agreement that will benefit both sides.

Another Rickshaw Business Opening Soon

2007-09-27T17:44:00.000-07:00

What do athletics do after they retire from the sports world? Well, Vince Dooley tells his life story after he retired as football coach and athletic director. As he always passes by the Sanford Stadium during game days, he usually spots on peddlers selling tickets. When he was walking by the Sanford Stadium someone pedaled him around. This is I guess the easiest way to roam around the stadium.

Dooley happened to be the very first passenger of the new rickshaw business Dawg Pedaler. Michael Hitchcock was the one who starter the rickshaw business on the area. He was pulled and propelled by the rickshaw owned by Hitchcock. He stepped unto the base of the cab saying, "This is the first one I've been on in the U.S." He maybe used to seeing taxi cars with Audi fan clutches but never a rickshaw in America.

The very first rickshaw business in their area opened its "class, culture and charisma" at 11:30 a.m. the opening happened at the Rankin M. Smith Sr. Student-Athlete Academic Center and Dooley was only one among those who Hitchcock welcomed that day.

Hitchcock was actually planning to have a taxi business but he soon ventured to the rickshaw business when he was approached by the locals which include the Athens-Clarke Country Human Economic Development Department’s director Keith McNeely.

He was able to receive $10,000 as loan and this was given by the Athens Growth Fund to aid small businesses. The rickshaw business will only operate in the entire area of Arch and the minimum fare starts at $5 for every person. The business is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and at 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. temporarily. According to the rickshaw owner, they will never allow anyone to take the ride with drinks but they can tolerate riders who are intoxicated.

McNeely said, "It is very professional, and I think it's going to be a success.”

Dooley said, "It was great seeing the campus," and he also mentioned he enjoyed the ride. On his way, he was smiling at familiar people and many students as he was pleased with the newest form of transportation.

The ride ended up at Mama's Boy on Oak Street and he was even welcomed by church members of Hitchcock and the officials of the city which includes Athens Mayor Heidi Davison. According to him, the business will be a great idea for Athens and it would be great especially to tourists.

The Freight Bike

2007-09-25T02:09:00.000-07:00

Rickshaws are usually used as daily commuters ranging from one to three passengers. If there are rickshaws for human transportation, there are human-powered rickshaws for cargo or freight as well. They are popularly known as the Freight Bikes or cargo bikes. Obviously, the parts are similar to regular bike rickshaws without the auto parts as cool as the Saturn washer pump. For some countries specifically in various towns, the freight rickshaw is the most convenient and inexpensive mode of transporting goods to houses, markets and other destinations.

According to Wikipedia.com, freight bicycles or freight tricycles or cargo bikes are human-propelled vehicles intended and built particularly for transporting huge loads. Cargo bikes' designs typically consist of a cargo handling area including a steel tube carrier, an open or enclosed cabinet-like box, and a plane platform with a wire bracket basket. The components are regularly fixed over one or both wheels, low behind the front wheel, or between parallel wheels and also the front or rear of the vehicle. The structure and drivetrain should be assembled to hold loads numerous times that of a usual bicycle. Other exact design concerns include driver visibility and weight suspension.

Common usages include:

delivery services in dense urban environments
food vending in high foot traffic areas (including specialist ice cream bikes)
transporting trade tools, including around large installations such as power stations and CERN
airport cargo handling
recycling collections
warehouse inventory transportation
mail

Advantages of these bikes over motorized vehicles:

Won’t be stuck in the middle of a congested traffic
Wouldn’t create air pollution problems nearby (e.g. enclosed warehouses and industrial plants)
Zero percent discharge of air-pollution with no environmental concerns at all, given the present environmental situation

Mumbai Rickshaw Rates Set For Another Hike

2007-09-20T21:23:00.000-07:00

Taking a car to office may not be the best transport in Mumbai. Why? Mumbaikars love rickshaws. For people in India, the three-wheeled road allies are more like anybody's daily affair.

Also, tourists regard them as cute and desirable automobiles on the road. As a fact, they spend a few hours of their stay riding these modest rickshaws. Tourists never fail to take a ride on these vehicles while visiting the rustic side of this country.

Such a hype coupled with other substantial factors are driving Mumbai's autorickshaw owners to demand a hike in the per kilometer rates to offset the cost of installing new electronic meters.

"The rickshawwallah has a family, he has to care for his children's education, health and many more things. Prices have risen and the cost of living has gone up," said Autorickshaw Union President Sharad Rao.

Rickshaw owners say that the current rates were fixed in 2004 and therefore need revision. But consumer activists allege that the rates were fixed as per the petrol rates then and not according to CNG prices, reported IBN Live.

Says President, Grahak Panchayat, Shirish Deshpande, "They have been using cheaper fuel and CNG also gives higher mileage, so they have been getting twin benefit."

In the said report, activists pointed out:

In 2004, the petrol cost was around Rs 40 per liter
In the same year, the average mileage was 20 kilometers per liter
The rickshawwallah's cost per kilometer was Rs 2
However, the current rate of CNG is Rs 22 per liter
The CNG would give a mileage of around 40 kilometers per liter

With the facts presented, it can be ascertained that the autowallahs are already earning a profit of Rs 1.50 per kilometer. But rickshaw unions argue that insurance, maintenance and other costs have almost doubled.

But it's neither these numbers nor the new meters that the Mumbaikar cares about. All he cares about is his daily budget. People say that they already spend up to Rs 40 per day on autos to commute, and if the prices go up, their budget will be adversely affected.

A final decision on the rates is expected to be released by the end of this month. Mumbaikars are keeping their fingers crossed and just hoping for the best. Auto rickshaws, also called “tuk-tuk,” form an integral part of India in the last couple of decades. The yellow and black rickshaws are found almost everywhere in India. Practically, they’ve become famous among tourists.

Riding a rickshaw is almost a daily affair for Mumbaikars. Hearing the octaves of rickshaw’s sound spectrum is pretty ordinary. As a fact, if you get closer… very close, you’ll fee the throttle on your nerves.

But despite the adorable stigma attached to rickshaws, there are scary stories about them. Where do you put the blame? Manufacturers, government, NGOs, or people in general?

Now that a new hike is expected to happen, expect the public to suffer the brunt. Nothin’ new actually.

Quadricycle… The Classic Ride!

2007-09-18T18:45:00.000-07:00

I haven’t seen a quadricycle pass by the city or in our village. I only saw one model in a museum a few years back. I can imagine myself riding on this classic ride. It is super free from gas emissions and there’s no need to fill her up with gas because all you need is a fresh and strong pair of legs that can possibly pedal for miles!

So where on earth did the quadricycle start to roll out on the street? Where and when? Let’s take glimpse at the quadricycle’s short history!

The Quadricycle’s History…

The first witnessed man-powered quadricycle was revealed in 1853 at the Exhibition of the Industry of All Nations World's Fair held in New York. This was in relation to the same time that two-wheeled bicycles started to become a trend. Quadricycles were one solution to the problem of low-speed stability in early cycles and were usually multi-seat models.

In the old times, the most common design placed the wheels at the corners of a rectangle while another layout had its wheels at the angles of a rhombus (or, more generally, at the angles of a geometric kite). The rhombus layout proved less convenient because such vehicles were less stable and left three tracks instead of two.

The first experimental steam automobiles were sometimes called steam quadricycles. The Ford Quadricycle was one of the few very early internal combustion cars called motor quadricycles. The terms automobile and car rapidly became universal, supplanting this usage.

The Modern Quadricycles…

The quadricycle’s use reduced in the late 1800s as a result of improvements in bicycle knowledge that made their four wheel cousins mostly outdated, even though small numbers were built through the 1950s period for rental use in tourist areas. During the 1970s and 1980s there was a renaissance of interest in these vehicles as personal transportation, driven by the 1973 oil crisis, environmental concerns about automobiles and the search for emission-free alternatives.

Afghanistan’s Rickshaw Tragedy

2007-09-17T17:57:00.000-07:00

In Afghanistan, a suicide bomber killed 28 people in a market somewhere south. The bomber was using a motorized rickshaw. The killing was one among the most brutal murders after the fall of the Taliban. There are lots of civilians affected by the explosion including the kids who sell cigarettes and chewing gum along the market.

The explosion happened at 6:30p.m. on one world’s largest poppy-growing region the town of Gereshk in Helmand province. The suicide bomber was actually targeting a police officer. The explosion was considered the worst violence of the year.

Gereshk district chief Abdul Manaf Khan said that the 28 people who died were composed of 15 civilians and 13 policemen. Aside from that, the hospital recorded 26 deaths and 60 wounded as according to the provincial chief of public health Enayatullah Ghafari.

There were 13 people who were brought to the NATO-Afghan base for treatment as well as 45 people sent to Gereshk hospital.

Last year, Taliban set off a record of killing more than a hundred people August last year. These have been so brutal just like the Helmand attack. Taliban usually targets military and police men.

The attacker used a motorized rickshaw according to the NATO's International Security Assistance Force. A rickshaw is a small engine-powered three cycle vehicle that is used as a taxi in southern Afghanistan. The vehicle does not have car parts like a Nissan radiator to propel.

One of the survivors targeted by the suicide bomber was Mohammad Zahir Azimi, the Defense Ministry spokesman. Another shopkeeper, Abibullah Khan, was with his son and he injured on the explosion. He said that there are more than a dozen shops damaged by the blast.

"I saw a lot of people wounded and killed on the ground. It's a very crowded area. At this time of night many villagers are in Gereshk's big market," said Khan via telephone from the hospital in the nearby town of Lashkar Gah.

The Rickshaw Pullers Of Manipur…

2007-09-13T23:43:00.000-07:00

As I have promised, I will bring the best and hot rickshaw stuffs that I can come up with in my next post. I’m glad that this time, I won’t disappoint you for sure! I’ve been researching for days and because of that, I forget about fixing my Saturn multi rib belt! But it's okay - the effort is all worth it!

Anyhow, I think it’s about time to give you some rickshaw bits that I got from ManipurOnline.com! It’s the Manipur rickshaw pullers! If you want to read the whole article, just CLICK HERE! Check it out!

***

Rickshaw Pullers of Manipur
By AK Kom

The consumerism boom of the 80’s and 90’s is being questioned today because it has started questioning the very existence of life on earth. The menace of consumerism, excessive consumption, enormous amounts of waste creation and pollution stand on scarce oil resources which is an unsustainable source of energy. It has also led to enormous amount of pollution that these fossil fuels create which is excessively hazardous to all forms of life. At the turn of millennium, the western world is looking towards the developing countries for ecologically sound and sustainable solutions that have been a part of the day-to-day life in this part of the world. One such thing is the cycle rickshaw, a mode of transportation in the whole of Asia and more so in the Indian sub-continent.

Cycle rickshaw first came into existence in India in the early forties of the last century. But in Manipur, the cycle rickshaw came to exist in the early 1950s. They were of great technological improvement over the large, inefficient, wooden wheeled hand pulled rickshaw that can be still seen in the city of joy, Calcutta. It also gave a certain amount of dignity to the profession by making the service provider, a driver rather than a puller (though the word is still widely used which seemingly is a term borrowed from the hand-pulled rickshaws). Traditionally, cycle rickshaws in India can be seen in almost every nook and corner of the country. And when one looks at them closely there is a great variation in them.

Numbers of cycle rickshaws and rickshaw pullers in Imphal city:

Traditionally, cycle rickshaw is the cheapest and easiest mode of transportation for the people of Manipur. There are about thirty thousand rickshaw pullers in Manipur which is being plied by different communities of Manipur for maintaining and looking after their families. Fifteen thousands rickshaws pullers are concentrated in Imphal city alone.

As far as the IMC authorities are concerned, disposing of license is a simple procedure. But according to rickshaw pullers and owners, it is the most difficult task if one is not willing to give bribe. According to bye-law of the Imphal Municipal Council of Clause 4(I), No persons shall act as driver of a cycle rickshaw except under license granted by the IMC in that behalf. The fee of such license will be Rs 45.

Auto Rickshaw: A Pricey Art

2007-09-12T05:55:00.000-07:00

The rickshaw is a common mode of transport in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. It’s ordinary, plain, and affordable.

But would you believe that a rickshaw art could give you $125,000?!!! True. So far, that’s the most expensive auto rickshaw ever made.

The popularity of Indian art may be sluggish at present but Indian artists are flourishing worldwide. At the much-concluded Shanghai art fair, Indian art proved to be a smash hit with collectors and investors. As a fact, Indians who have flaunted their masterpieces in the said event have sold well, too. Among the Indians who embraced the art spotlight were Atul Dodiya, Zarina Hashmi and Jitesh Kallat, reported Daily News & Analysis.

Telegraph.co.uk has described the masters’ masterpieces:

The fair, christened ShContemporary, is the brainchild of Swiss art dealer Pierre Huber. Housed in the faded, palatial splendor of the 1950s Sino-Soviet Mission, it provided a blend of Eastern and Western art from galleries across the world.

A former ski instructor, Huber, 65, conceived the idea four years ago. When he suggested that Art Basel, the world's biggest and most successful contemporary art fair, extend its activities to China, the proposal was turned down, so he took the initiative himself, producing the most professional-looking fair China has ever witnessed.

Visitors to the opening had to negotiate what at first looked like a protest, before arriving in a huge courtyard with a steamroller bearing down on a 300 square meter carpet of apples. Was this work, by Gu Dexin, perhaps a reference to the famous "bulldozer exhibition" in Russia in 1975?

A naked portrait of a man with a dog by Lucian Freud was priced at $16 million. A late society portrait by Andy Warhol was offered at $6 million. The most highly prized Asian art on view was around $1 million.

At first, it appeared that most business was being done at the lower end of the market. Red dots accumulated rapidly on the colored photographs of children in exotic outfits by Zhang Peng, priced at $10,000 each. Buyers, said the Art Seasons gallery who were showing his work, had come from Europe, Korea, Singapore and Indonesia.

But, by day two, New York dealer James Cohan had sold a video by Bill Viola for $260,000 and a sculpture by Nam June Paik for $450,000 to a Taiwanese collector. Beijing- and Berlin-based dealer Alexander Ochs had virtually sold out of works by Chinese artists, priced up to $200,000 each.

Among the Western collectors to have an impact was Miami property developer Craig Robins, who bought an installation by Thai artist Rirkrit Tiravanija. The installation, which was supplying free rice to visitors, contained the message "Rich Bastards Beware", and was priced at $200,000. A lifesize auto-rickshaw made from simulated bones by Indian artist Jitish Kallat, which was priced at $125,000, was snapped up by a British collector.

You can’t find them anywhere but at the art show… not even in that Volkswagen paper repair manual you are holding…

The Rickshaw-Haunting Ghosts Of Mount Road…

2007-09-07T17:17:00.000-07:00

I’ve been very busy repairing my Mazda valve cover for the past week and it has been stressful, really! I guess I don’t have the right skill for the job so I have no choice but to seek professional help from the nearby auto shop! Another way to waste cash! Anyway, it was a total hassle and forgive me if I haven’t come up with the latest rickshaw update. But, I’m sure you’re going to like this post that I’m going to share with you!

The title itself is kind of interesting and somewhat creepy… Yaiks! Ghosts?! I love it when it’s something about paranormal science! Isn’t that very interesting or what!? Instead of our usual rickshaw news or updates, let me show you another side of rickshaws… the scary side! I took this frightening story from ChennaiOnline.com yesterday when I ran out of ideas about rickshaw topics. I enjoyed reading the story and I bet you’ll love it too!

Read this…

The rickshaw-haunting ghosts of Mount Road Reminiscences

There were not many buses in those days in Chennai and even the buses that were plying were relatively smaller. The other alternatives available for the commuters were the hand-drawn-rickshaw or the horse-drawn-cart, popularly known as kai-rickshaw and jutka. There was a belief in those days - I am talking about 40 or 50 years back - that ghosts would follow anyone who travels by a rickshaw through Mount Road. Yes, I am talking about the present Anna Salai.

My friend used to describe how a ghost would look like. 'You know a ghost is not white in color. It is jet black. It should be around fifty to sixty feet tall and its legs would be as red as burning coals.' He was travelling the Mount Road for years together in 'kai-rickshaw' followed by apparitions and died when he was sixty.

The ghost-stories were a favourite among people those days. I am not able to put my finger on the right reason. It may be due to the fact that the General Hospital was close by, with a large graveyard - used by Christians - in the vicinity. Or it may be due to those who were vexed with life and came to the Government Estate to commit suicide. There were quite many of them. And the Muneeswaran Temple as well as the Dharga present in the Mount Road. The Coovum River was meandering through the road. The area would be very active during the day and would wear an eerie silence and be immersed in darkness in the night. There were about four-five theatres in the area. At least a hundred would walk their way home from the night-show. The area was so quite suited for ghosts and apparitions to haunt indeed.

We will walk down Chennai’s memory lanes again…

by: Ashokamitran (Translated by Hari Krishnan)

If you want to read more about Chennai, just visit http://www.chennaionline.com/!

A Rickshaw Rally?!

2007-09-05T07:32:00.000-07:00

A rickshaw rally?! You might find the idea ludicrous. What’s in a rickshaw to pull rally aficionados? What’s so special about the clunky 31 miles-per-hour ride? A rickshaw is downright ordinary especially in India where it is treated as a common means of transportation.

But don’t you know that rickshaws have burgeoned India’s tourism? According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, based in London and New Delhi, tourism in India is expected not only to generate $61 billion in 2007 but to grow significantly in the years ahead.

Rickshaws may not have that striking Saturn water pump, Ford engine, Mazda hardtop, or other auto accessories but they could work wonders…

"It's a question being asked all over the world: How do you see the heart of a country when world cities are looking more and more similar?" said Arun S. Chaudhari of the Rotary Club of Mumbai, which helped sponsor and organize the rally. "Anyone can see a 5-star hotel. They look the same whether you are in Dubai or Delhi. But on this journey, you see the real roads, the real villages, the heart and soul of India."

Another attraction of India is the rickshaw rally. Among those participating in the 13-day, 2,500 mile Autorickshaw Rally were a financial analyst from Fairfax County searching for the "real India," a cancer survivor with one leg and a passion for living life boldly, an Irishman residing in Brooklyn, and a 72-year-old retired nurse from Canada on a last hurrah with her two sons. The trip was marketed as "an amazing race for the clinically insane,” reported The Washington Post.

The teams had bizarre names such as Rickshaws Without Borders, Wrong Lane, Dukes of Hassan, Poppadom Preach and Autocrats. And a multitude gathered to witness the significant rickshaw event.

"White people and even women, and so many driving rickshaws! And all weaving the traffic so smartly," said Kumar, an auto-rickshaw driver participating in the rally.

"We've made it alive. Although, I've never had so many near-death experiences with buses. Or cows," noted Raj Solanki, 31, of Takoma Park, Md.

"I think Indians travel in auto-rickshaws enough without wanting to do it for fun. When I came to know of this race, I was perplexed," said Shri Suresh Shetty, the state minister for tourism who graced the final night's events. "It's a challenge for all of us to even travel in autos normally, and this is an amazing endurance test. I am so proud of these people."

The rally raised money for schools and villages along the rally’s route, and each 2-person team donated school supplies and medicines and met with local leaders to learn about India's varied cultures. To note, there were no Indian citizens in the rally.

"Friends, our roads may not be that good," noted Shetty. "But the road to the heart of every Indian is open." With that, everybody blew the horns, for about a minute. It sounded like the blast from an authentic Indian avenue.

Pakistani Motor Rickshaw

2007-09-03T17:32:00.000-07:00

A few steps back, the rickshaw got on the track since it was invented in 1869 by Reverend Jonathan Scobie, an American Baptist minister living in Yokohama, Japan. That time, its only purpose was to transport his handicapped wife. But, as the time went by, people realized that it is an efficient mode of transportation. And so, it became the most important mode of transportation in Pakistan. It first hit the Pakistani road back last August 14, 1947 and at present, that's 60 years ago.

As a three-wheel vehicle, the rickshaw has been known to provide a better road grip than the bicycle. And, the best thing is that it offers better a fuel economy than a 4-wheeler taxi. Another thing is that it provides green salad savings compared with a 4-legged horse.

Rickshaw offers convenience on repairs since its three-wheel structure helps in lifting it from any side.

The vehicle is a perfect example of a compact automobile design, as what has been told in pakistaniat.com. The driver sits on top of the engine, which causes inducting hear transfer between man and machine. It eventually makes the engine kept constantly cool. However, the driver takes over the heat on his butt, which might not be good for the health. His position keeps him cozy during winters and boiling during summers. But, of course, it still has an advantage and that is the convenience to slide from one corner to the other depending on which side provides a better view.

The rickshaw was also designed for the driver’s more relaxed atmosphere during driving. It is through limiting the driving controls to both hands and a single leg. For that, the other leg can be rested, justified when we see a rickshaw driver lifts one of his legs and places it on top of the dashboard while driving.

On starting the engine of a rickshaw, there is a design of a rod start mechanism. It has a 3 feet long level on the floor. It is bended down to the side and the other end of it is lifted in a quick swift motion.

During the night, this vehicle is seen with only one headlamp, which is actually enough to single other people of its approach. It will be as good as the light through a Chevrolet pickup tail light lens.

Rickshaws can also be seen with multiple arrays of reflective mirrors. Its purpose and position depends on the driver’s advantage.

Being small is not a hindrance for rickshaw to carry a bigger number of individuals. Even a family with luggage can be accommodated.

As I have said earlier, repairs are easy. For flat tire, it is fully equipped with a mechanical jack. It is wherein the “rickshaw driver simply tilts his rickshaw on a side, insets this sheet metal plate for support and changes the tire,” and that consumes only 10 seconds.

Since the rickshaw has its long time existence, drivers have its culture of taking passengers. When the rickshaw is empty, they simply move their neck towards the passenger cabin in a long swooshing motion.

Well, this vehicle made so much in the history. I bet there would be more upgrades and improvements in the coming years.

Polish Manufacturer Elevates Rickshaw Rivalry

2007-08-29T21:28:00.000-07:00

A Polish rickshaw manufacturer is giving British rivals a run for their money after developing a type of pedicab that offers tourists the breathtaking view of London.

Bartek Miernik and Tomasz Mysko, two of the thousands of Poles working in the United Kingdom, shocked rivals in the previous year by designing and introducing the back-to-front rickshaw. Compared to the conventional rickshaw where the rider sits in front, the Poles’ version put the rider at the back and passengers in front. This is to give the occupants a good perspective of the scenic spots.

Passengers are easily hooked by the innovative rickshaw. As a fact, in a matter of 18 months the partners have expanded their company, Traditional Rickshaws, from 15 machines to 60. “It’s obvious. It’s so much better than staring at the rider’s backside,” says Mysko, 39.

But rivals say the arrangement is dangerous because there is nothing to protect passengers in an accident, writes Stefan Wagstyl of Financial Times. The London Pedicab Operators Association, the industry body, has declined to accept Traditional Rickshaws as a member. Chris Smallwood, the LPOA chairman, says: “Passengers cannot sit in front in approved types of pedicab.”

Meanwhile, Miernik, 29, denies there is any extra risk. “It’s a complete myth,” he says. “Rickshaws are rather slow. So there’s little danger of hitting something in front. We have had many knocks. But it’s always from behind.” Miernik confirms he and Mysko tried unsuccessfully to join the LPOA. But he declines to bad-mouth the organization or his competitors. He says: “We don’t want to compete in dirty ways. We want to compete on style.”

Miernik first worked as a rickshaw rider for an established company. Mysko, on the other hand, arrived in Britain in the 1990s and gained experience as a cycle courier manager. Together the Poles designed their rickshaw. They had it made in Poland at slashed cost. But the Poles did not compete on price. The rickshaw may not have Mazda engine parts but the road machine is pretty enjoyable.

Miernik has this to say: “You learn who your passengers are. If they want to go to their hotel and it’s a smart place, you can charge appropriately.” The company’s record fare is £250 – shared by three riders on a single job.”

The rickshaw market in the territory has low entry barriers. Additionally, the said segment is unregulated. According to the LPOA, riders coming from all over the world are growing rapidly, with a jump in 2006 from 400 to 500. LPOA members account for about a quarter of the rickshaws.

The LPOA notes it would like rickshaws to be licensed as stage carriages, as long as the regulations are not restrictive. Transport for London, the capital’s transport regulator, intends to introduce mandatory licensing but can only do so, under current legislation, if pedicabs are legally classified as hackney carriages. The authority is seeking a High Court judgment on this point. If it fails, new laws will be needed, the organization states.

Rickshaw Drivers Strike

2007-08-24T17:28:00.000-07:00

Here's a thing that I'm sad to learn about. A union in Bombay representing rickshaw drivers announced that will have a transportation strike. This is in protest of the implementation of expensive electronic meters on their rickshaws. This is so sad because I don't think that rickshaw drivers earn lots of money for a day's hard work that's why some rickshaws are not as good looking as others and the would not even have enough to buy a Saturn floor liner. If they are forced to buy electronic meters, then they would have barely enough left to take home to their families.

The union has slated the strike to be held from the fifth of September until the seventh if their demands are not met. It seems that rickshaw drivers are not the only ones concerned about the new regulation as a union of taxi drivers have also expressed their interest in joining the rickshaw drivers on their strike.

According to the Mumbai Auto Rickshaw Men's Union, they will be striking all over Bombay, Thane, and the Konkan regions. Rickshaw drivers from the rest of Maharashtra will also join them for a one-day strike on the seventh. According to reports, there have already been seventy rickshaw unions which have expressed their interest in joining the transport strike. “There are many issues facing the taxi union. We will have a meeting and a strike is likely to be announced in the first week of September. We will also approach the High Court for justice,” said A.L. Quadros, General Secretary, Mumbai Taxi Men’s Union.

The unions of taxi drivers are also complaining about the mandatory use of electronic meters. Today, rickshaws in the country uses mechanical meters and they are opposing the implementation of using electronic meters not only because they are expensive but for some other reasons too which I think is obvious enough for the government to notice before they mandated the use of such expensive meters. “There are chances that these electronic meters will be robbed as lots of auto-rickshaws are parked in the open during nights. The rains will also ruin these meters,” said Shankar Salvi, General Secretary, Mumbai Auto Rickshaw Men’s union.

I just hope that the government understands the sentiments of rickshaw and taxi drivers. The strike will not be beneficial for rickshaw drivers and the public alike. Drivers will loose a day of income, in this case, three days while it will be inconvenient for commuters. So, I think that the government should have talks with the unions and see if they can find a way to resolve this problem without having drivers resort to a transportation strike.

The Demolition Rickshaw!

2007-08-23T01:47:00.000-07:00

I’ve been looking for the latest updates about rickshaws last night along with doing some research on the Hyundai Excel radiator online. I had a hard time finding the best rickshaw news that I could possibly post and share with you. Whew!

After long hours of research, I ended up disappointed! No rickshaws for me! But I recalled that I’ve posted something of a rickshaw poem and I said to myself: "Why not look for a rickshaw song instead?" Now that gave me the extra energy to make a couple of researches more… and luckily, I got one!

The rickshaw song is entitled “Demolition Rickshaw”. At first, I didn’t have the idea what the song is all about until I read the lyrics and boom! It was a perfect entry for the rickshaw blog! The song was composed and sang by the Aquabats - I never heard of them but I was lucky for the site provided an audio sample of the song. It sounds great and cool! The song also featured checkered flags and the Malibu Grand Prix!

Forgive me if this is the only rickshaw stuff I have for you today. Anyway, it’s a fascinating piece so you won’t feel sorry when you get to read this post. I have prepared the lyrics of the song if you’re kind of interested. Just dig in and see you next time!

Demolition Rickshaw! by: Aquabats

There's too many people living in my house
I can see them, I don't know them
And I want them out!
There's too much emphasis on dirt
Who did what for how long?
And where does it hurt?

I think
Oh No! How did it get so far?
Do you! Have to walk with a lean?
Oh no! I need a vacation from waving checkered flags at the Malibu Grand Prix

What are we doing here?
What are we doing now?
What are we doing here?
I know!

Line up the rickshaws
Right down the derby line
Let's all crash into each other
It's demolition time
Right now, Right Now!

There's too many choices staring back at me
I can see them
I don't know them,
Now I must leave!
There's too much pressure on my seams
Just drink a little water chemicals attack blood streams

Come on, come on, come on, everybody!
Come on, come on, come on, Demolition Rickshaw

Line up the rickshaws
Right down the derby line
Let's all crash into each other
It's demolition time
Right now, Right Now!

The Rickshaw Rally

2007-08-17T18:05:00.000-07:00

When I hear of rally, I think about mud-splattered cars flying a meter or so from the ground while clearing a hill jump. Colin McRae, Petter Solberg, and Sebastian Loeb are some of the more popular rally drivers. But in India, a rally is now ongoing but these drivers are not participating. The reason is that the cross-country rally’s participants are not cars and the drivers are not professionals. Rickshaws are the wheels of choice and the drivers include a beauty queen.

The CEAT Mumbai Xpress Autorickshaw Rally 2007 will cover 2,000 kilometers across India. The rally started in the city of Chennai and will end in the city of Mumbai. One of the participants is Miss Hungary. The rally though is not only about racing through the streets of India - it is about extending a helping hand to the needy. Along the course of the rally, participants will be delivering medical supplies, rations and school supplies to needy families.

The rally is organized by the Indian Autorickshaw Challenge and Ceat Tyres. Participants of the said rally came from different corners of the world. Nine countries are represented. The United Kingdom, United States, Hungary, Bosnia, Croatia, Ireland, and Canada have representatives in this humanitarian sporting challenge. The participants will be moving through the streets of India on their rickshaws which hopefully are made to meet the demands of the race just as Mazda OEM parts are made to be reliable.

The 32 teams with 70 participants have already passed through Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Goa. The participants will be entering Maharashtra before they reach Mumbai.

Unfortunately, the rally also has its share of accidents. According to the Hindustan Times, an Indian newspaper, two British women participants have been injured after they were involved in an accident near Mahad. Jennifer Lewis, one of the two British severely injured her left leg in the accident. Lewis is expected to recover and be present at the closing ceremony of the event.

Arnab Banerjee, the vice president for sales and marketing of CEAT, has this to say about this event: “The aim is to pursue a social cause of helping the needy. We selected autorickshaws as Indians are used to them and foreigners like the idea of a charitable venture that also promised some adventure.”

Rickshaws From The Ancient Times… Revealed In A Poem

2007-08-15T21:17:00.000-07:00

Rickshaws are everywhere in the planet now. Anywhere you go, or whatever country you visit, most probably they have rickshaw services like in some places in Thailand, India, China, the Philippines and even in other continents around the world. Today, the wide-spread use of this man-powered ride is becoming more useful and practical for every commuter. It’s a cool and green ride that is!

I’ve enjoyed riding rickshaws when I visited some countries in Asia, and it was a great experience for me! My fascination drove me to study more about rickshaws. And I just found out that this is an ancient means of transportation! One of the evidences I found that will prove Rickshaw’s timeless tale is a poem written by Raj Nandy from New Delhi. Check out his poem about rickshaws and rickshaw pullers back in the ancient times!

Those Rickshaw Pullers Of Calcutta
-A TRIBUTE-

Once they formed an indispensable part of old
Calcutta, now Kolkata.
Synonymous with the Howrah Bridge and the Monument!
Today they are no longer seen, -
Those hand-pulled rickshaws of yore
have become extinct,
Like the Dodo or the pre-historic Dinasores!
The toiling sweat from those labouring brows
Blended with the hot tarmac roads under the
summer’s sun! .
Those pair of running legs forming an extension,
Making his chariot look like a four-wheeler !
With its hooded cover and metallic bell; -
Mobile, all- weather, carrying you to the very
door step’s end; wading through knee-deep water
of Calcutta, where many automobiles lay floundered!
May God bless those valiant folks, those
intrepid sprits, -
Whom the older generations knew better, -
Those brave rickshaw pullers of Calcutta.

-Raj Nandy, New Delhi
24 May 2007.

Improved Rickshaw Technology

2007-08-12T18:08:00.000-07:00

The call for cleaner cars has been increasing in the past years. Yet for so many decades, rickshaws have been offering greenhouse-gas free transportation. And today, the effect of global warming is being felt by countries all over the world and so rickshaws are being seen as a viable alternative to environment polluting motorized vehicles. And this classic form of transportation has found an ally in the Institute for Transportation & Development Policy.

The said institute is focused not only on providing a clean means of transportation in India but it also aims to provide more jobs for the citizens of the Asian country. The said institute has partnered with the Indian bicycle industry. This tie-up is expected to provide more rickshaws to poor citizens of the country seeking work. Although these bicycle manufacturers may not have the same sophisticated equipments used in the manufacturing of auto parts such as Volkswagen shock absorbers and the like, the produced bicycles serves a major role in the promotion of rickshaw use in the country.

The ITDP did not only partner with the bicycle industry in the country to produce bicycles for the numerous rickshaws. The institute also came up with a new design for modern rickshaws. These new-age rickshaws weigh less than their predecessors. The result, of course, is less toll on the knees of the drivers. LOL. But seriously, lowering the weight of the rickshaws means that the drivers will not have a hard time driving these contraptions.

As a result of the new design of modern rickshaws, it was reported that operators have reported an increase of between 20 to 50 percent in income. The reason for this is that since driving the modern rickshaws are less tiring, drivers can work longer thus making more income. This “redesign” of the rickshaws in India shows that this form of transportation is not about to go the way of the dinosaurs. Even if motorized vehicles abound on the roads of India, rickshaws will always have a home in the heart of Indian commuters.

And with the threat of global warming increasing almost daily, the use of rickshaws is gaining support from environmentalists. Although it might not be popular in other countries, the wide use of rickshaws in India plays a major role in reducing greenhouse gas emission worldwide.
As the redesigned rickshaw showed success in India, the institute is now looking to spread it around Asia, Indonesia in particular.

A Rickshaw Experience in Thailand!

2007-08-08T17:19:00.000-07:00

Too much pressure and stress from work gave me the idea to treat myself to a week-long vacation! And guess where… I’ve been to the marvelous Thailand! Within this span of time, I gave myself a break and I tried to disconnect my mind from reality! No paperworks, no deadlines to beat, no Subaru air filters to clean… in short, no more mind-bending stuff for a week!

I went to Thailand three weeks ago, and just before I started packing my things up, I can feel the excitement all over my head. I can already imagine myself relaxing while a Thai woman is massaging my back! I asked my brother to go with me and he said “Yes!” without hesitations.

After arriving in Thailand’s national airport, we went to the nearest food house that we can find because we were starving to death after the long trip thousands of feet above the ground. So right after eating, we headed to the hotel where I made a special reservation for us. After resting for half an hour, we took a bath and we went to our first destination - the city! We were happy strolling around while shopping for cool Thai products.

We felt very tired after strolling around the city and we sat down on the bench to rest for a while. I saw this unique ride being pulled by a guy. They say it’s a rickshaw, a Thai rickshaw! That gave me the idea to try it and instead of walking down to all the places we want to go, we rented a Thai rickshaw! The guy pulling the man-propelled vehicle was so nice he even toured us to the places that actually weren’t included on the map that was provided for us by the hotel.

Three days have passed and still, we never chose other modes of transportation except for our favorite ride… the Thai rickshaw! We went to the beach, went scuba diving, got wasted on a bar, and met new friends and women - eating spree and everything nice! We tried it all! The rickshaw took us to these awesome places that we wanted to see and explore! Good thing the man pulling the rickshaw is tough. He said he can go for miles with the right amount of food, water and of course, tips!

Now I’m back to reality! But I still have a hangover… wow! It was the best experience that I ever had so far… The rickshaw will always stay with me in my heart! I’m looking forward to take a ride in this cool vehicle again… someday!

Rickshaw Review

2007-05-22T01:15:00.000-07:00

Most of the countries all over the world have their own representations of the popular rickshaw. We can usually see this man-propelled vehicle in Asian countries.

We all know that it is man-powered ride without the use of any automotive parts such as a Honda Accord rear valance or an Audi head gasket maybe but it has brakes too - improvised manual brakes that is!

Anyway, rickshaws usually have a one or two seating capacity which includes the driver. In some countries, rickshaws are operated by the foot like what we see in China, Vietnam, and Thailand. But some of these are driven using a bicycle and it is popularly known as the pedicab, velotaxi or the trishaw.

The rickshaws are considered as a global concept because as we can all observe, rickshaws are way similar from one another and there is only one concept applied to every rickshaw around the planet, and we all know what it is - the uniqueness and flexible human-powered vehicle that is an efficient alternative vehicle for our modern world today!

UPDATE: Rickshaw Licenses in India

2007-05-16T00:55:00.000-07:00

The Calcutta High Court’s Justice Dipankar Datta was recently reported to ask about an update about the list of licensed rickshaw pullers of the city. We have brought to you an update that tells about the government of India which plans to rehabilitate the streets running rickshaws and change the vehicles of choice into cleaner and greener vehicles.

Justice data also urged the commissioners to inform him regarding the updates about the Justice Saumitra Paul’s order concerning the license renewal of the rickshaw pullers.

There is an enormous four thousand of rickshaw pullers in the city which prompted the All Bengal Rickshaw Union to file a petition disagreeing to the request made by the HC regarding the renewal of licenses issue. The petition is addressed to the state and the Kolkata Municipal Corporation.

The decision of the license renewal for the rickshaw pullers came into scene last April 10, 2007. And the HC also decided to impose the decision of the KMC not to renew the license of these pullers.

The Calcutta Hackney Carriage in 2006 obliged these rickshaw pullers to have their license that the KMC has to issue a notification in December same year. The civic body was the one suggesting that these rickshaws should be taken out of the streets of India to keep the environment’s current state as is. And after this, KMC was forced to issue licenses. However, the matter is still in court and is still pending.

Anyway, if you are looking for ca parts like Lebra, Magnaflow and Pacesetter exhaust, check out some online stores. They are offering some good promos you may just need.

Just a Rickshaw Update

2007-05-08T23:51:00.001-07:00

India is one of the countries that still have Rickshaw on their streets but just recently, the state government announced that they will be rehabilitating rickshaw-pullers simply by providing them with more environment friendly autorickshaws. The news came up last Tuesday, during the discussion that these rickshaws should be taken away from the streets of India.

Subroto Mukhopaddhaya, the state’s junior standing counsel, has told Justice Dipankar Dutta, “The government will provide non-polluting autos to the rickshaw-pullers. The vehicles will be purchased from a Pune-based company. The government is now making a list of rickshaw-pullers.” The lawyers also informed the court that some rickshaw owners will still continue the rickshaw operation no matter how they try to control it. “The pullers hire the rickshaws from the owners, who do not bother to obtain licences. So, the task of listing the names of rickshaw-pullers is quite difficult. The list will be ready soon,” they say.

“At a time when the government is reluctant to stop plying of illegal and polluting autorickshaws, introduction of non-polluting vehicles should be welcomed.” This was the statement that Mukhopaddhaya had to tell the court.

There is actually an order telling that the rickshaw drivers should not be allowed to renew their licenses directing to the Calcutta Municipal Corporation. However, two months ago, these hand-pulled rickshaw drivers were continuously allowed to propel their two-wheel rickshaws only before the Calcutta Hackney Carriage Bill is amended. But last Tuesday, the renewal of licenses was again suggested to stop. Justice Dutta then asked the administrative order to be placed on Thursday before him.

Does this mean the history vehicle that does not uses powertrain parts will soon vanish on the streets of India? I’m sure if it happens, everybody will miss it. Terribly.

Pedicab: Pinoy Innovation

2007-04-28T00:53:00.000-07:00

Are you familiar with the vehicle called the pedicab? This is a clone version of the ever-present tricycle, as it is also known as the traysikad or pajak. This foot-powered vehicle is becoming the most famous ride for every Filipino commuters nationwide. Although there are models from other countries especially from Asia which are nearly quite like that Philippine pedicab, the Traysikad is most likely to be unique from all others of its kind.

Pedicab operations usually take place in suburban subdivisions, barangays, small streets in the busy capital cities and provinces. Mind you, this one seems to be a vehicle for all places. And public transportation at that.

These foot-powered, three-wheel denizens slide its way in the midst of traffic jamming still in the stormiest conditions. Passengers will definitely be in their end in a matter of minutes. Because of sky-rocketing and traffic regulations disobedience, it was sent away and scorned.

If you’re going to check its body parts, you will see that the brakes are very unusual as compared to common bicycles. It’s a man made foot brake that uses rubber (which is usually from worn-out slippers and soles) which is attached to the rear wheel with a steel pedal.

If I have a chance to travel in this vehicle, I would surely go for it. I think it’s a very exciting and exotic ride that anyone could probably enjoy. It only shows how innovative people can be. Making such alternative vehicles is one of the brightest ideas Filipinos can ever create. And I say, let your foot loose and let’s ride the Traysikad!

The Dragon Boat and Dragon Boat Racing 101

2007-04-13T23:19:00.001-07:00

I know everyone of us is fascinated with this human propelled transporter. That’s why I’m here - to share what I’ve learned from the researches I conducted during the past days.

I know you are very much eager to learn too, because I believe dragon boats are definitely cool and they sure are interesting stuff! The dragon boat obviously is human powered and it came from a traditional Chinese or the Pinyin term “lóngzhōu” or “lóngchuán”. Now that means that it is a very long and narrow boat that popularly used in team paddling sport.

The game is called Dragon Boat Racing which originated in China.

Dragon boats as we all see in racing events has been prepared with ornamental Chinese dragon heads and tails. It also required bringing a huge drum on the boat. Sometimes they do away with these ceremonial objects but usually the huge drums stays aboard for working out functions.

During the Chinese’s national holiday which usually falls under the month of June, Dragon boat racing is traditionally apprehended to honor the death of Qu Yuan. It is officially declared that only dragon boat racing is to be observed during this holiday.
Ok, I guess I gave a fairly brief history about the dragon boat. Let us now learn about the crew or the members that assemble the dragon boat team, the basics and how to take part in this game they call Dragon Boat Racing.

First we have the drummer or the callers which is considered as the “heartbeat” of the dragon boat. This leads the members all the way through the race by providing a rhythmic beat from the drum to signify the timing and rate of recurrence of paddling stroke. They are responsible in picking up the right cadence, pace and in slowing the rate.

A combination of hand signals and voice calls are given by the caller to issue a command to the crew and the caller usually brings out the best performance from the crew by giving some encouragement and motivation.

Coordination with the drumming cadence with the strokes of the most important pair of paddles rather than the other way around. This is also one talent a good caller should possess. A professional level caller will be capable of measuring the power of the boat and the paddlers through the consciousness of increase of velocity, deceleration, and inefficiencies which are sent out from end to end of the hull.

A caller should also be aware of the relative position of the dragon boat to other boats, and to the finish line, in order to appropriately issue orders to the crew as to when to best charge ahead as well as give out calls when to hold steady and when to peak for the finish line.

The amount of power required can be affected by the head wind, tail wind or the cross wind to shift the boat at its top speed all the way through the race, and also a good caller must be alert of the relative location of the dragon boat to other competitors boats and their way to the end of the race.

The paddlers position themselves by sitting forward with their definite kind of paddle. “Pacers” are the leading pair of paddlers on the other hand the pace setters is called “timers” or “timers”.

The coxswain, steersman, helm, sweep or tiller is in short known as the “steerer”. He is responsible for maneuvering the steering oar which is located at the rear part of the dragon boat. The oar has opposite steering, like if you pull it at the left side, it will turn to the right side and vice versa. The steerer has the authority to dominate the callers order if the safety of the team is in deep danger in any circumstances.

Rickshaw in India

2007-04-11T23:41:00.000-07:00

We all know what a rickshaw is, right? Well, for the benefits of those who don’t, rickshaw is a vehicle propelled manually by human power. It has two wheels and has seats for two or three passengers. This piece of transportation is carried (or moved around) by one or two people.

Long ago, only rich, famous and social elite people can afford to ride on the transportation. But because it causes so many accidents, the rickshaw was outlawed in some countries in Asia. However, there are still countries in Asia that uses the rickshaw even during the present times.

India is one among the Asian countries that still has rickshaws on their streets and you can find many of these specifically in the country’s Kolkata region. You will see many rickshaws on its streets and they even have union as well.

In 1972, there has been a lot of street closings for rickshaw vehicles. In 1982, over 12,000 rickshaws were destroyed. But they came back in 1992 with over 30,000 rickshaws on the streets. However 6,000 of these were illegal or the drivers or owners lack a license. Some put up rickshaw rentals and some are even used in hostels.

The communist government of West Bengal planned to completely take off all the rickshaws on the road in August 2005. There have been many protests and strikes rickshaws owners since then. In November 2006, the rickshaw was finally banned by the order of West Bengal government and promises to rehabilitate poor rickshaw owners.

The Carabao Cart

2007-03-29T23:46:00.000-07:00

The horse is not the only one reliable animal when it comes to transportation. As we all know, we have chariots, horse carts and vehicles which is able to move forward, thanks to the trusty old the horse. And I want to share something related to animal propelled vehicles which got from a good friend who lives just a few blocks away from our house and told me a story about his memorable experience carabao cart ride back in his home land.

For those who do not know, here are some facts about this unique and remarkable animal. The carabao is the Philippine’s national animal for the residents of that country strongly believe that such an animal symbolizes the hard-working, strong and determined Filipinos. The carabao also helps farmers with their work on the rice fields in fertilizing the soil for a better harvest.

The carabaos were known as a reliable companion to all Filipinos. Eventually, the carabao cart was created mostly by farmers a long, long time ago. Some carts have two big wooden wheels and each one is located at both sides of the cart. Other carts are simply made out of wood. A carabao exerts more effort in carts with no wheels.

My friend also told me that the carabao can stand the heat for more than 12 hours and when we talked about fatigue, he got nothing to say against the kind beast because it is immensely strong with a fully-charged endurance!

But if you’re looking for a fast paced ride like a horse ride, don’t expect the carabao to give a fast and furious ride because he prefers the saying, “slowly but surely” which has a point somehow. My friend added that the purpose in riding carabao carts is to cherish all the beautiful surroundings and to take a closer look at the things around you when you pass by. Sounds fun, I better try this soon!

The Kalesa Ride

2007-03-27T23:34:00.000-07:00

I was browsing the net and researching for the latest car news. The word transportation came up to me and it gave me the urge to search for the most unique vehicle in the world. I mean vehicles with one of a kind characteristic.

Measurement for a car engine’s control would probably be horsepower. And what I want to share with you is a vehicle, a means of transportation, that literally goes to show you the real kind of mean horsepower. Well, horse power actually. Not horsepower per se.

I’m talking about the kalesa and it is a vehicle powered by 1hp. What I mean to say is, it is powered by a one horse! You think I’m kidding? You better listen to this because I know most of you are not familiar with this stuff.

Kalesa is obviously a horse propelled carriage used in the Philippines. During the Spanish colonization which was during the 18th century, the kalesa or sometimes called as the “karitella” was the main mode of transportation during these years. The name “kalesa” came from the tribute of Spanish invasion and fell ultimately from a Slavonic old church which means “wheels”.

The kalesa is specifically characterized as an inclined cart with two round wheels on both sides. It has two rows that can accommodate four passengers. Cool, isn’t it? From its body parts, it is way different from those exterior car parts that we are so used in seeing with the regular share of vehicles on the road. At the tip of the cart just right behind the horse is the driver seat.

Kalesas can still be found today cruising around the streets in various places in the Philippines. I can imagine myself traveling with this vehicle, seated peacefully as I watch the sun sets on the beach! Wow, what a magnificent sight! Hey, can I request for three more horsepower? I mean, horse power.

The Pinoy Jeep

2007-03-27T00:08:00.000-07:00

It’s the Philippines’ own definition of the rugged Jeep vehicles and this Filipino version is that one which they proudly call as the “jeepney”. Most of the people around the globe are not familiar with this vehicle. Are you?

Filipinos are known to be crafty and creative. The ability to create, develop and reproduce one of a kind auto technology seems to run through Filipinos’ blood. Oh yes, the jeepney originated in the Philippines! This vehicle’s features were based from the army jeeps that were left by the United States after the Second World War. This inspired Filipinos to start making a version of this vehicle. The product was the jeep and the vehicle was then reproduced into thousands of units as the years progressed.

The improvised jeeps are known to be colorful, much thanks to all the paintings found on its different auto body parts. The vehicle also comes with flashy chromed bodies and various accessories. It was built to accommodate commuting passengers with a maximum capacity of 20 to 30 persons. It may not have air-conditioner, cooling parts or any other fancy stuff that could help the passengers cool down while commuting, but I think it’s a cool ride instead of calling for a taxi cab. You see, riding a jeepney is far cheaper than taking a cab.

From the history of jeepneys, the first few models were actually the army jeeps that were abandoned by the Americans. There were hundreds nationwide. But most of the jeeps were focused and found in the nation’s capital.

From thereon, various designs like the moving little horse (found in front of the vehicle), those paintings, flags, stickers and much stuff were placed in and around this popular vehicle.

The Philippine jeepney manufacturing was thus born, and later on, it expanded to the different provinces from Manila where it all began. The jeepney is the most ever-present vehicle until present in the Philippines.

If you had a chance to visit the Philippines, try to experience this one of a kind ride! Totally a splendid creation by the Filipinos!

What is the Rickshaw Run?

2007-03-20T22:35:00.001-07:00

There many kinds of rickshaws, just like the previous journal entry on this site. There is a particular rickshaw on every country in the world. But what is a rickshaw run?

A rickshaw is a vehicle composed of two wheels, a cart and two rods where the propeller holds and pushes so the vehicle would propel. But the Rickshaw Run is not actually a vehicle but an event that ran first in December 2006 with international teams driving 150cc, 7 bhp. Auto Rickshaws run 3,750km from Cochin in the southern state of Kerala up to Darjeeling in the Himalayan foothills. Then they go all the way to the India. There are 34 teams that started the event last year.

The Institute of Adventure Research, the founder of the now annual Mongol Rally, organized the event.

However, the event is not only giving amusement but charitable as well. They raised money for the charities. Two individuals and one rickshaw compose one team. The team needs to use the rickshaw to transport objects over small distances on paved roads which makes a unique choice for the challenge. A team needs to raise a minimum of £650 for the charity. Mercy groups handle all the funds raised and the rickshaw under its expertise to needy Indian families and causes.

The Rickshaw run is not an easy race. Like any other race cars, it involves accidents and good deal of perils to the participants. During the race, participants may experience hardship but that makes it more thrilling and exciting. The element of danger and the chance to experience passing through all kinds of landscapes and cultures make the Rickshaw Run an experience that should not be missed.

The Auto Rickshaw

2007-03-15T22:20:00.001-07:00

There is an auto rickshaw just in case you didn’t know. Yup, most popular by its name “tuk-tuk”, the auto Rickshaw has been one among the basic modes of transport in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka and is popular in many other countries. This vehicle is usually for hire. It’s a motorized version of a traditional rickshaw with three wheels and propelled manually by a person, usually called the velotaxi.

You can see these small numbers of auto rickshaw in most Asian oriented places like China Town in London. But usually, tourists are using it rather than the people who are actually living in that area (or country). You will also see tuk-tuks in Thai, Lao and Cambodia, also a Bajaj in Indonesia and Sri Lanka, whereas in Brighton, England auto rickshaws are called tuctucs.

Now how is a tuk-tuk made? Simple. All you need are just three wheels, a small cabin made up of tin or iron body, a seat for the driver and the three passengers and then walla! You have your very own auto rickshaw. You also have to place a scooter version of a two-stroke engine with a handlebar for control instead of the steering wheel. The three wheels scooter carries the passenger on the rear seat. Rickshaws are light vehicles so that it can only carry two to three passengers in one time.

In India, the previous version of the auto rickshaw still rock some places. Specifically in North India, some auto rickshaws are powered by a Harley-Davidson engine, called the phat-phati because of the sound it makes. But, when we talk about the environment, these will definitely be one of the causes of pollution.

Travel Italy Thru A Traghetto

2007-03-07T20:04:00.001-08:00

In singular form, it is a traghetto. Take plenty of them and you get traghetti.

What is it?

It is actually a means of transportation in romantic Venice in Italy. It may not be normal in your place but it sure is normal in their area. It can be compared to a gondola but they are both different boats. Unlike the gondola which can bring you to different places, the traghetto is used to transport people only to and from certain places. Maybe something like the destination travels of buses and airplanes.

Why traghetto? The word itself actually means ferry when translated from the Italian language. As to why the name is given only to this means of transportation, I don’t actually know. I’m still looking for it right now though.

Anyhow, traghetti can be found only in the Grand Canal in Venice. There are only seven spots where these boats do stop and transport passengers. You would know that it is a traghetto when they are none of those really romantic chairs that you would see on the gondola.

How does the traghetto work? I’m sure it does have its own share of parts but I don’t think the vehicle has engine parts and really modern performance parts that you would find on most modern and contemporary vehicles. You see, the traghetto moves around because two oarsmen row the boat. Other than that, the vehicle has no power source.

Riding A Vehicle With A Horse

2007-02-26T18:51:00.001-08:00

Literally speaking, you will be riding a vehicle with a horse because this vehicle is propelled by a horse itself. Yeah, I am pertaining to the Philippines’ very own “Kalesa”.

Also known as the Kartitela, this vehicle is a horse driven carriage that is usually found in suburban parts of the Philippines. The word kalesa actually originated from Spain, the Spanish conquest and descends ultimately from an Old Church Slavonic word which when translated means "wheels." It exists in the country in the 18th century, but is still found on the streets and rural areas. However, they are not as popular as they were back then.

The kalesa was popularized during the times of Spaniard occuopation and was the only easy method of transportation. The carriage is composed of two wheels found on each side including two rows of seats inside that can accommodate two equally sized individuals. The driver or the propeller will seat on a piece of wood in front of the cart near the horse.

The kalesa have marked a significant memoir in the Philippines history that even a National Artist of the Philippines in music, Levi Celerio composed a special music that talks about the kalesa.

Kalesas are still found in Intramuros, Manila, Binondo and some streets along Iligan City. But kalesas are also found in some museums in Manila and in some regions.

Thailand’s Version Of Buses

2007-02-13T19:23:00.000-08:00

Let us travel this time to exotic Thailand. That’s where you would find a variety and diversity of culture. That’s where you would find spicy food and quite warm people. And that is also where you would find the songthaew which literally translates to “two rows”. But if you really translate it to the English language, it means baht bus.

At first glance, you would think that it is just a pickup truck of some sort that has just been converted to it that kind of look. But I guess it does. Thai people say that the songthaew has been adapted from that kind of heavy duty vehicle so that it can be used as a passenger vehicle and a public means of transportation. But since it is wide open, I don’t think it comes with cooling parts though to keep you not so sweaty during the heat of the summer.

Take a good look inside the songthaew and you would see two benches that have been attached to the back. This is where the passengers would be sitting on when they take the travel. However, because the rain may pour anytime, some owners and drivers of songthaews put in roofs over the back. Sometimes, plastic sheets are used by the windows so as not to let the rain and moisture in.

The Self-Propelled Vehicle In Modern Times

2007-02-08T18:41:00.000-08:00

Also known as the cycle rickshaw, velotaxi, or trishaw, the Philippine pedicab is a human powered vehicle for hire. Filipinos call it "padyak", tricycle/traysikel or traysikad. It usually has one seat that can carry one or two passengers. Pedicabs are not only fond in the Philippines but in some parts of Asia as well.

A pedicab is composed of a bicycle with a cab attached to it. It has three wheels, two on the bicycle and one on the cab. That part of the pedicab which they call the side car is that area where the passengers ride. Some pedicabs have the passenger seats at the back of the driver but usually it is found at the right side of the driver. Some also have it side by side. The cab is covered with tarps in a variety of colors.

The vehicle does not have fuel parts or powertrain parts because it does not use diesel or any kind of fuel. It is manually powered by the one driving it. It is just like driving a bicycle but the only difference is that the "padyak" has its side car. It is usually used to transport and to travel to distant places.

It is source of livelihood for most of the Filipinos. It is seen in rural areas, some suburban areas as well as in some city areas. In Metro Manila, it is particularly seen in Divisoria and Quiapo.

Recently, a Filipino named Ricky Veto invented a motorized pedicab. According to him the travel is easy and fast compared to the manually propelled cab. Now this is yet another great idea coming from a Filipino.

The Zamboanga Vinta

2007-02-02T17:52:00.000-08:00

If Arabians got their very own dhow, Filipinos also got its own sailing vessel as well. It is one among the earliest boats that was used by ancient Filipinos centuries ago. These means of transportation, old as they may be, still exist and are still continuously used by some of the Filipinos today.

I am talking about the vinta. This is a traditional boat found enormously in Mindanao. Almost identical to the Arabian’s dhow, the vinta differs in the aspect that it is more colorful and is decorated with assorted vertical designs. The boat doesn’t have its fuel parts though because this is rowed manually.

The boat is made by the indigeneous Muslim groups including the Badjaos and the Tausugs. Zamboanga City is known for the most number of vintas. Vintas are also called “Vintas of Zamboanga”.

Most of the foreigners appreciate its colorful designs that they describe as an “amazing sight to behold”. These boats are used by the early people of Zamboanga and some parts of the Sulu region during the flourishing intra-Asian trade of pre-colonial Philippines.

The vinta has remained as colorful as before and as exotic as when it explored the seas of the country. The boat is also known for its swiftness and speed in water.

Vinta is currently the symbol of the U.S.-PHILIPPINES EXPO. Filipinos are proud of their very own creation and the vinta is no exception. The vehicle has been existing for more than centuries but its beauty is still preserved and was one of the reasons why tourists from around the world keep on coming back.

Recycled Bicycles

2007-01-27T17:52:00.000-08:00

How many bicycles have you already owned?

Many people just simply discard their old bicycles whenever they feel like they not want to use it anymore. Sure there are already tons of other vehicles available that you can use without you having to sweat and perspire.

But some person did find these old and used bicycles to be quite a treasure just as one would find treasure in a junkyard full of old cars and auto body parts. And I found out all about it at this site.

Peter Wagner would make something entirely new out of these old bicycles and he calls his creations WhymCycles. All parts of these bicycles are made out of recycled bicycles and he has created quite a ton of them already.

If you would be looking at these WhymCycles, you would think that these are very much like ordinary bicycles in some aspects, however, the shapes and the designs are completely unique. There are some which can only take one person while there are those where another passenger can also ride. In fact, there are also some that can be used by one whole family of four. Other WhymCycles include those that can be used by those with handicaps and those who are quite physically challenged. Top that.

an insect for a ride?

2007-01-06T01:10:00.000-08:00

First time visitors to the provinces of the Philippines often find themselves wondering "What the hell is that contraption?!" That, my friends, is what locals call "kuliglig" (vernacular for cricket). It must be because of the sound it emits, as it resembles the sound of a million crickets in a chorus line, that drove the locals to give it its name.

A kuliglig is a hand-tractor attached to a trailer. The engine is usually diesel or sometimes, even gasoline-powered. It is commonly used to pull trailers full of produce or other farm supplies.

It is also used a form of transportation in the provinces, as one could wait for hours hoping to get a ride to another town or place. Other uses of the kuliglig include pumping water (the engine is connected to a water pump) or sharpening knives, sanding and steel brushing with a grindstone.

Necessity is the mother of invention, so they say. So Filipinos used their heads and came up with an ingenious mode of transportation using locally available materials, in this case, their hand-tractor.

Sailing, Arab style

2007-01-03T22:26:00.000-08:00

The dhow is the traditional Arab sailing vessel with one or more lateen (triangular sail) sails. It is used along the coasts of the Arabian Peninsula, Eastern Africa and India.

A large dhow may have crews of up to 30 persons, while smaller ones have approximately 12.

Crews navigate using a traditional navigational tool, the kamal. The kamal determines latitude by finding the position or angle of Polaris, the Pole Star, above the horizon.

Until the 1960s, dhows have made the journey from the Arabian Peninsula to East Africa using sails as the sole means of propulsion. For centuries, products between these two parts of the world made their journey in dhows. From East Africa came timber and its byproducts; from the Arabian Peninsula, fish and dates.

Crews followed the distinct and seasonal patterns of the monsoon. During winter or early spring crews sailed south to East Africa, and when spring or early summer comes, they sailed back to Arabia.

There are various types of dhows according to use and function:

Ghanjah - a large vessel with a sloping and ornately-decorated transom and a curved stem

Baghlah - the traditional deep-sea dhow

Battil - it has long stems, and topped by club-shaped stem heads

Badan - the shallow drafted dhow

rowing your way around

2007-01-02T19:34:00.000-08:00

Venice.

The name evokes images of St. Mark's, canals, romantic days and nights. And could one forget Venice's most famous mode of transportation, the gondola?

Gondolas are a traditional Venetian rowing boat. It were for centuries used for transporttion around Venice (and up to now), serving as traghetti (ferry) in major canals.

The gondola is propelled by the gondolier (oarsman), who pushes a single oar while facing the bow. A pessenger gondola may have a small open cabin for passengers, as protection against the sun or rain. And according to law, gondolas have to be painted black, a color that remains used until today.

pulling your own weight

2006-12-22T22:04:00.000-08:00

If there is one way of transportation in 19th century Asia that is most representative of that era, it is the rickshaw.

The rickshaw is a two-wheeled cart that is pulled by a man; it usually sits one or two persons, depending on its size. It was widely used in 19th century Asia, especially in Japan, China, India , Bangladesh and Pakistan, until it was outlawed and replaced by motor and cycle rickshaws in the 20th century.

It first appeared in Japan in 1868, during the Meiji era. Rickshaws then spread westward, from China to Pakistan. Rickshaws became a widely used mode of transportation, since human labor was cheaper than using horses and they were faster than the traditional litter boxes. It soon spread over most of Southeast Asia, where many peasants migrating to the city became their drivers.

By the turn of the 20th century, rickshaws were banned and were replaced by motor- and cycle rickshaws. Today, most rickshaws are found only on tourist centers.

In the Tight Streets of Manila

2006-12-22T20:59:00.000-08:00

In this spot of Asian paradise, vehicular transportation is classified by the following:

Cars
Utility Vehicles (of which jeepneys are the most dominant example)
SUVs
Trucks (most often delivery trucks)
Buses
Tricycles and motorcycle

So this is the way to travel around in Manila, foremost city in the Philippines. And though the jeepney retains its title as king of the road, the SUVs are fast catching up. The SUVs, mostly Japanese models, are becoming a popular mode of transport, rivaling jeepneys because a great many of them have air conditioning systems. This is because jeepneys tend to offer a bit of a muggy ride through the city, leaving one exposed to the smoke prevalent in the streets. Loo at the photo so you could see for yourself. Incidentally, a lot of commuters in the city also rely on motorcycles to navigate through the traffic. Motorists covering the lower half of their faces with bandanas are a common sight to behold. Still, all in all, if you want to see a complex model of vehicular structures, Manila is certain to provide you with one.

the countryside is a blur

2006-12-22T18:23:00.000-08:00

For many of us, the Shinkansen (or bullet train to us laymen) is our connection to Japan (aside from Mt. Fuji, of course). These ultra fast trains have become the symbol not only for Japan, but also for the Japanese people as well.

The Shinkansen runs on precision, with the train departing and arriving at stations at exactly the right and correct time. In fact, train schedules are broadcast on the radio and on TV, can be read in newspapers and is available on the Internet. So very like the Japanese, who have perfected the art of precision to a high level. In fact, some of the Japanese have synchonized their watches to train schedules.

Shinkansen lines criss-cross the Japanese countryside, and with the trains going around 300 kph (186 mph) going around is a blur. Imagine going from Tokyo to Osaka ( a distance of 311 miles)in just under 2 hours. Previously, going to from Tokyo to Osaka meant sitting for 8-9 hours.

Today, one can just hop in one of the many Shinkansen routes that the central terminal in Tokyo hosts. Whether going to the north in Akita and Hachinohe, to down south to Kagoshima, there is a Shinkansen line waiting to take you to your destination.

Sing Me A Songthaew

2006-12-22T15:59:00.000-08:00

Yet another Thai post. Being in another country - even just one - can really open up your eyes to a different set of possibilities, especially when you see how other cultures adapt to challenges. I guess this is the main attraction of tourism: the experience of something new.

Thailand has a lot of unique and quirky public transports and the songthaew is one of them. A songthaew is essentially a minibus remodelled from a pick up. Songthaew means "two rows" because passengers sit on two rows of fixed benches placed on each side of the bus, similar to the Philippine jeepney's seating arrangement. And like jeepneys, when the benches become full, another bench is added on the middle to accomodate more passengers. And when there is no more space even on the third bench, passengers can hitch on the songthaews's rear platform. It can be crowded yes but you have to understand that more passengers means more income for the driver.

Songthaews function like buses in that they follow a set loop. But the route is not strictly followed and you can request the driver to make a detour if your destination is close, maybe a block away from the loop.

Thailand's Tuk-Tuks

2006-12-21T17:14:00.000-08:00

The tuk-tuk reigns king of Thailand's urban jungles and is the country's undeclared national vehicle.

The tuk-tuk is essentially a three-wheeled motorcycle fitted with a coach in the rear to seat two to three passengers. The first generation tuk-tuks carry one-stroke motorcycle engines emitting a noisy "tuk-tuk" sound and this is how the tuk-tuk got its name. Like most inventions, Thais created the tuk-tuks out of necessity, something to cheat Thailand's congested streets, as tuk-tuks can easily weave in and out of traffic. They are very convenient for short distances and drive relatively fast. Heck, a tuk-tuk can even outrun a Porsche - in horrible traffic of course.

If you're a potential tourist planning to visit Thailand, know that tuk-tuks do not have meters - you tell the driver your destination and bargain for the price. Enterprising Tuk-tuk drivers recognized the potential and display advertising posters on their tuk-tuks for a fee. Tuk-tuks are such efficient urban transports they are even exported to Britain.

Britain's Red Double Deckers

2006-12-14T23:05:00.000-08:00

New Yorkers have their yellow taxis while Londoners prefer their buses red. The quaint double decker Routemaster buses once ruled the streets of London and have been one of Britain's symbol's since its introduction in 1959.

The Routemaster answered the need for a large public transport vehicle that doesn't exceed vehicle length limits, as each bus can easily seat between 60 and 80 passengers. The double decker buses originally had an open top and a staircase at the rear which were later enclosed. Since the buses don't have a door, each bus has a conductor who issues tickets and makes sure everyting is running smoothly.

Because of difficulty in seating disabled passengers especially those in wheelchairs, the Routemaster fleet was gradually decommissoned and last seen service in December 2005. It has been replaced by euro buses and the 60 feet long, one decker bendy buses. The Routemasters were popular with tourists though and 2 heritage routes have breen established for this purpose.

Cycling around Vietnam

2006-12-13T15:58:00.000-08:00

If you happen to be in Vietnam anytime, you would notice very few cars and instead, people are riding on bikes, which is quite unusual unless you're about 8 to 12 years old.

And so, you wonder, "Why on earth are these people on bikes? Haven't they heard of cars or even gasoline?". The answer is, no, they are not ignorant or far from civilization in any matter. They are just pratical people. First of all, rush hour in any city in Vietnam could give you so much headache that you'd wish you didn't have a car to drive around. Second, it's cheaper. There's no need for expensive gasoline or any car parts. And yes, tire replacement can get as low as eight cents. Third, it's less hassle because finding a parking space in Vietnam would be some kind of a miracle.

And if you're a tourist and you want to get the best from your trip, bikes could take you to the farthest places. Also, riding a bike can make you relate to the people and vice-versa. It's like a gatepasss to their culture. And wouldn't it feel good to somehow not contribute to air pollution?

Here are some tips for tourists:

1. Always wear a helmet. Safety comes first.

2. If it's possible, wear a personal air mask. Sometimes, the smoke is too much to take.

3. Don't ride during midday. The roads are hot and your tires could suffer.

4. Don't leave your bike anywhere, some parts or even your whole bike could get stolen.

5. Take a rest in between bike rides, you don't want to exhaust yourself too much.

There you have it. Now get a bike and make the most out of it. Enjoy!

Overrunning the Italian Countryside

2006-12-04T18:38:00.000-08:00

In the fields, roads and streets of

Italy

, the vehicle you will most often catch sight of is the three-wheeled truck, APE aside from the sensible sedans and a smattering of sportscars. The APE or Api is a compact, three-wheeler truck that Italian farmers have been using for years, whether to deliver their fresh produce to the local markets or simply for their daily means of transportation. Unlike the usual run of four-wheeler trucks, this three-wheeler allows for better agility as well as maneuverability, pretty much evidenced by its well-known flexibility for turning even in very tight spaces. A definite plus which makes it ideal for the often narrow streets, roads and rutted lanes in many Italian towns and villages.

Indeed, the Ape truck is as Italian as a bottle of Chianti that it’s a rare day in Italy when you don’t happen to see one of these vehicles beloved by many Italian farmers gunning down the road.

p.s. When I asked around, I found that the APE is manufactured by the same company responsible for VESPA scooters. Yep, scooters, those reliable and resilient scooters. There. So if you ever find yourself basking in the glory of the Tuscan countryside or walking along the fields of Volterra, you might want to try catching a ride in an APE from one of the natives. Not only does it make for a nice change from taking the bus or sitting in the subway train, the friendly chitchat with the natives also makes for a welcome bit of fun that shouldn't be missed.

From the hills and into the streets

2006-11-27T20:55:00.000-08:00

Contrary to information on the Philippines that local tourism officials perpetrate, this quaint little country southeast of Asia isn’t by heaps and miles bordered by fine powdery beaches and sunny shores. That any foreigner is likely to find Filipinos basking in the golden sun and ocean breeze is crap.

To begin with, a decent amount of Filipinos have access to the Internet. And a great many has mobile phones, even the street sweepers and sidewalk vendors do. While there are parts earmarked for pristine beaches (I said earmarked on account of its demographics, which pretty much tells you what a particular Philippine city has in store) the country also has one of the most terrible roads in the world in terms of traffic.

Only a minority of Filipinos owns a car. Even in the capital city called Manila they weren’t many. Most Filipinos depend on public transport that includes ferries, trains (MRT and LRT), calesa (a horse-drawn rig), tricycle (a motorcycle fitted with a “side car” to accommodate passengers), and the highly touted King of the Road called jeepneys.

This wide assortment of public transport just shows how Filipinos will rather ride a tricycle on a 2-km drive than improve on his/her God-given pretty tan.

Turning the circa WWII military jeeps into a lucrative transport service, the Philippine jeepneys are pretty much to Manila what is the subway to New York. A jeepney-maker called Sarao has made a fortune producing and developing these hard-working and road-toughened vehicles, and Sarao Jeepneys are now an icon in Philippine culture, replacing the Spanish-era calesa.

Improving on the four-wheel driveability of miltary vehicles, the Philippine jeepneys enjoy great business when they are the types who go from the capital to towns and barrios in the hinterlands. In making that trip, even the roof of the vehicle is peopled with passengers. They aren't called King of the Road for nothing.

Welcome!

2006-11-23T20:40:00.001-08:00

Welcome to the blog, Of Skylab and Rickshaws!

In this blog, we will feature different kinds of transportation that is unique for every country around the globe. From the popular to the unknown, we will explore what makes them tick.

Happy browsing!