Locals of Chitwan return to riding bicycles

CHITWAN, Oct 20: Bicycle riders of all ages used to form a distinctive feature of the cities of Chitwan district once upon a time. However, the identity was overrun as scooters, motorcycles and four wheelers rapidly replaced the bicycle-riding tradition. Now, with the acute fuel shortage across the country, streets of the cities are once again full of bicycle riders, reminiscent of the days of yore.

After the fuel shortage caused by the undeclared blockade imposed by India, locals have once again shifted their attention to the long-forgotten bicycles. Bicycle traders say they have seen a great surge in their business of late after the blockade."Many four-wheeler owners have been visiting my shop lately to buy bicycles," said Bishnu Lamichhane, operator of Gorkhali Cycle. "They buy bicycles ranging from Rs 20,000 to Rs 50,000. The sales are very encouraging," added Lamichhane, who has been in the cycle business since the last three decades.

According to him, sales of bicycles were highest in 2005. He claimed to have sold more than 3,000 bicycles that year. "Compared to those days, sales of bicycles have gone down in the recent years. It was supposed to increase with the increase in population, but has decreased instead," he added.

Although bicycles for children are high in demand, college students prefer motorcycles and scoters instead, informed Lamichhane.

Another bicycle entrepreneur, Shyam Kandel, said that the declining bicycle businesses have been largely revived by the recent fuel crisis. However, another entrepreneur Mohan Agrawal of Narayangad said that although the demands have increased, he has not been able to supply accordingly as many trucks laden with bicycles have been left stranded in the Indian border due to the blockade.

"Birgunj is the gateway for the import of bicycles. As the blockade is very strict there, many of us are forced to turn down our customers due to lack of stocks," added Agrawal.

Dharma Raj Sapkota, chairman of Chitwan Cycle Entrepreneurs Association, said that people should be made aware about the health benefits and importance of riding bicycles.

"Riding bicycle is not just good for health but it is also beneficial for the environment. We can attract more people into riding bicycles if we raise awareness about its importance," said Sapkota. The association also organized a cycle rally for the purpose on Friday morning.

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