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Unfazed by cycles of change
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Cycle users seem to be more in Madurai than in other major cities in the State.
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IT IS a common vehicle for every one — free from any kind of discrimination, social or financial status, can run on any terrain, easily portable, low-cost maintenance and even traffic snarls can't hold it. Make a straight guess that it is — bicycle.
Though motorbikes, scooters and other modes of latest transport have relegated it, still cycle users seem to be more in Madurai than in other major cities in the State.
At least three or four cycle repair shops could be seen in every locality, which is a rare sight in other cities.
While the people feel that it is a cost-effective `transport', the other reason for the high use can be attributed to the size of the city also, which is approximately 8 kms in diameter.
"I work as a book distributing agent for a bi-weekly vernacular magazine and have to cover over 150 shops in a day. Going by a two-wheeler for distribution both in terms of expenditure and time consumption will be a costly affair. So, this is the best mode for people like me", says Rafique.
The other advantages are, he says: "Traffic snarls are not at all a problem for the cyclists. We can tread our way even through small by-lanes. Likewise, it is totally free from starting and other technical problems, which often occur in bikes and other vehicles during rainy days. If there is any major fault about cycles, it is the tyres getting punctured, leave alone the damage to the vehicle after being hit by a bigger vehicle."
To run this vehicle, we incur just a couple of rupees once in two days or in four days. But in case of bikes or cars it is too high. Similarly, even the overhauling or replacement of damaged parts is also cheaper", explains Murugan a petty shop owner.
"To visit my friends in other parts of the city or to procure materials for my shop, I go to all markets only by cycle. It is a heavy carrier and what one needs is a good physique during such occasions to pedal it. While on such vocations, the struggling aspect is the bridges where we can only push it up and cannot sit on it and ride", he says.
Some old-timers say, "we are not used to the speed of motorbikes. Moreover, we travel short distances and there is no time compulsion. So, the necessity for a bike does not arise at all".
"It is also not financially viable for us to maintain a motorbike or a scooter", says a retired government employee who prefers anonymity.
Of late, there are a number of models to cater for every group. The small time traders mostly prefer sturdy models, which come with heavy-duty carrier. Office-goers seek the ordinary ones, as they are perfect vehicle for a compact family. Women, youths and casual users go in for trendy and light ones.
There are also various other types, which can be used on different terrains and these are professional exclusives.
With the increasing number of vehicles, the city is sure to experience more congestion if no remedial measures are initiated on a war-footing. These problems are only for the clan using motored vehicles. But, cyclists need not worry about this, as they can sneak through any gap. Due to this and many more aspects, the number of cycle users is likely to go up in the days to come. So, it is advantage CYCLE.
M.R.ARAVINDAN
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Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Coimbatore
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Kochi
Madurai
Thiruvananthapuram
Visakhapatnam
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