Things we take for granted, in this case the humble cycle rickshaw, I wonder how many, like me, just jump on one and never give it further thought?
I have now learned a few things about the complex world of such a humble machine and the men who pull them.
Dhaka is often called the "Rickshaw capital of the world", perhaps with some justification as there are believed to be in the region of 600,000 navigating the city each and every day. The official number of licences issued though amounts to just 80,000 or so. The rest....well corruption is rife! Counterfeits are said to be as near as good as authentic ones, and with an estimated £120k a year to be gleaned from issuing them well.....
Most of the "pullers"are illiterate migrants from the countryside, arriving to earn more money than from toiling in the fields.
With around 95% of the rickshaws owned not by the puller but absent owners who charge about a dollar rent. The rickshaws operate in a shift system , so $3 a day generates quite an income for some!
Whereas the puller themselves, might on a good day manage to earn $6-8, living in slums these transient workers often return home after a couple of weeks before returning again to earn more taka for their needs.
The cycle rickshaws originated in what was Calcutta, India. European jute exporters first imported the vehicle in 1938, soon replacing the hand pulled rickshaw. six years later the first licence was issued. I never knew these things were licensed
As well as passenger rickshaws, there are many many used for the transport of goods around the city, fitted with a flat wooden platform in place of a seat
Is that not just taking the piss?
Since the mid 2000's there has seen an introduction of battery powered contraptions, I guess in some cases it is needed! Usually a traditional pedal rickshaw upgraded with an electric motor and a number of lead-acid batteries installed beneath the passenger seat or goods platform. Charging more often than not by illegal tapping into residential power connections.
In December 2023, UNESCO announced that Dhaka's rickshaws and their associated artwork to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Fuck me there is a money draining quango for anything.
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STOPWow that bicycle rickshaw is so cool ❤️
sure are
Quite funny, but we have African-themed rickshaws here in Durban! I wonder what the people of Bangladesh would say if they saw one.
Corruption is just as rife here, it would be interesting to learn just how much (or how little) the men doing the work are getting!Gosh @grindle, some of those are heavily overloaded! I've never seen any Mr Rick Shaw carrying such a heavy load;)
Well I didn't know you had a similar vehicle in Durban, I guess these guys get paid a pittance for the hard labour they put in. Yet a pittance to us maybe a fortune to them
Very true!
Durban has quite a rich history with people from India who were brought to South Africa in the 19th century to work mainly in the sugar cane fields. Hense, you will find the best curries here too!
Ah now I understand, though WE have the best curry houses here LOL
cycle rickshaws are nerve-wrecking, astonishing and disturbing
cheers @vixmemon LOl, they are a bit hectic I agree
It is good that some rickshaws are now battery powered or chargeable. I always feel sorry for the drivers. Despite the financial aspect - it is good that the rickshaw is recognised by UNESCO. There are some now here in Amsterdam and I spotted them in London as well - of course anything for the tourists.
Yup snag the tourist! whereas these here are a way of life
Indeed