Seven Castles

Rickshaw

                                      

September 1, 2006

 

A rickshaw is a two-wheeled cart like a taxi for hire in China. There are two rods attached to the sides of the cart that extend to the front. The driver holds a rod in each hand and pulls the rickshaw. A rickshaw can have one or two riders. It usually has a top or hood to protect the passenger. Runners or hikers run between the shafts and pull passengers through the crowded streets 30- 50 km a day.

 

This "weird but wonderful" mode of transportation was invented in Japan and has been used in India since 1880. The word "rickshaw" comes from the Japanese word "jinrikisha" that means "human-powered vehicle".

 

Rickshaws have been mainly used in Asia. Today more widely used are cycle rickshaws, replacing less-efficient hand-pulled ones. This vehicle looks like a combination between a rickshaw and a bicycle. Instead of pulling the vehicle, the driver pedals it. It has three wheels with one wheel in front under the driver and two wheels supporting the passengers.

 

Some countries and cities have banned or restricted cycle rickshaws. They are often prohibited in congested areas of major cities as not fitting the city's modern image or they are no longer permitted on major roads, but are still used to provide transportation within individual urban neighborhoods. While they have been criticized for causing congestion, rickshaws are also often hailed as environment-friendly, inexpensive modes of transportation. Years ago, we rode a cycle rickshaw in Hangzhou and I did find lots of cycle rickshaws in Chongming Island.

 

【作者: zhangliping】【访问统计:】【2006年09月1日 星期五 06:35】【 加入博采】【打印】