Bicycle Chronicles
21st Aug 2020
Wiki defines Bicycle as follows : A bicycle, also called a bike or cycle, is a human-powered or motor-powered, pedal-driven, single-track vehicle, having two wheels attached to a frame, one behind the other.
In last few decades, bicycles have gone from a symbol of prestige and riches to poor man's daily commuter. In early 19th centuary, only Ranas and few rich elites could afford bicycles. By early 70s, bicycles were much cheaper to buy and it was popular means of transport to common people; hence booming cycling culture at that time.
By the 90s, social and economic uplifting of middle-class families means cars and motorbikes were preferred choice of mode of transportation. The rapid motorization after the re-establishment of the democracy means beginning of the decline of cycling culture. Roads once filled with bicycles, no longer safe for cycling.
Last few years, growing awareness for environmental issues and health concern, the cycling culture is once again reviving. More and more youths are taking up cycling as a hobby or as a daily commuter. We also starting to see cycling lane around city areas. There is burgeoning bicycles sales in Kathmandu valley and cycling culture is once again on the rise.
- Published on August 21, 2020