For various purposes, human beings have to travel over long, medium or
short distances & choose the appropriate modes of conveyance accordingly.
Across seas, long distances or unfriendly terrain, one has to choose aero plane,
ship or train as per the situation. For shorter distances, we may use lighter
vehicles, SUV or car or two wheelers. But very few people would like to think
of a bi-cycle for this purpose. If we are using a bi-cycle for conveyance, some
persons may think that we are financially not well off. This is because a large
number of persons cannot afford any vehicle other than a bi-cycle. It is also considered
difficult to pedal and proceed on the roads everywhere, due to the high density
of the traffic & sometimes adverse road and weather conditions.
During my several visits to USA & Europe, I found that bi-cycle is
used there purposely due to several reasons. (a) It is generally used for short
distances and also for morning exercise. (b) It is not at all considered as a
poor man’s vehicle, since even rich persons own it, may be more than one.
(c)There are separate tracks on side lanes of the main roads, where cyclists
can drive safely. Also the condition of the roads is very good and it is a
pleasure to use the cycle. (d) The children are also encouraged to use the
bi-cycle. (e) Many persons are seen pedaling all the way up to some garden etc.
and then going in for walking in the garden. The use of a cycle is therefore
very good from the point of our health. Even if a person owns car(s), he or she
may use cycles (and also walking) for keeping healthy & fit. Cycling
improves our health and prevents some diseases, since cycling is a good
exercise. It is also being used to go to another colony for paying a visit to the
friends/relatives etc. (f) One more benefit of using a cycle is saving on fuel,
thus reducing pollution & improving environment. Use of cycles is especially recommended in a
spacious organization having a big campus, like a University, where a pool of
cycles can be maintained at a central place, which can be used by others as per
their needs. (g) The cycle being light can be lifted, turned over and direction
changed easily. It can be taken on
unfriendly terrain & narrow lanes/paths etc. (h) Its initial costs, as well
as maintenance costs are very low. (i) A bi-cycle ride gives enormous pleasure
and other benefits. (j) During our cycle
travel, we are likely to meet more friends for mutual happiness and
benefit. (k) Since the normal speeds of
driving are very less, it can be controlled in a much safer way and chances of
accidents are less, with normal precautions. (l) When we use a cycle, we get a
blast of air on our body and it gives a feeling of happiness, pleasure,
relaxation & being free from stress. (m) Cycles are also used for spreading
some messages to the public, by the Government & some of the social
organizations. (n) Special cycles are also being used for racing purposes
including slow cycle race.
In spite of points like inadequate protection in rains or sun, inability
to take more passengers and luggage, more time required for travels due to
limitations of speed etc., use of a bi-cycle is still recommended on account of
many positive points, some of which have been given above. However, we must
take note of a few points like using helmets, carrying out regular maintenance
of the cycle including proper brakes, correct air pressure in the tyres, using
normal safety measures while using the cycle with the normal traffic on the
roads. In view of its many
advantages, the Government and the social organizations should encourage its use actively, including
for conveying messages to the communities.
-------------------vijaiksharma
Compiled
and presented by vijaiksharma, as a result of discussions in the meetings with
Saturday Group Members Dr. L K Kothari, Mr. Surendra Bothara, Dr. S Nyati, Mr. S Gemawat and Mr. Vijai K Sharma at Jaipur.
