Recently, riding a bicycle to commute or for other purposes has become the norm in Dhaka, though, such was not the case even a few years ago. BDCyclists, one of the largest cycling groups in the country, along with many other groups, has played a vital role in making cycling the norm among the city-dwellers over the last few years.
Cycling has brought some positive changes to the lives of not only the cyclists, but to society as a whole. To ensure that these positive changes do not go unnoticed, I have listed some of them below.
In the past, even though many people realised that commuting by bicycle helped to reduce time and cost, most people avoided it as it was not socially acceptable. However, today the mindset of the city-dwellers regarding cycling has changed.
Today, people from all walks of life are commuting by bicycle in Dhaka. In the process they are saving time, money, and getting the opportunity to stay fit and spend more time with their family members or engage in other meaningful activities.
In addition, they are helping to save the environment by reducing their carbon footprint. Unlike before, today people who commute by bicycle are appreciated and even respected.
Previously, weekends and holidays for most people were monotonous as they stayed home or aimlessly visited the crowded shopping malls or visited someone they knew. The opportunity to participate in outdoor activities was limited.
Nowadays many city-dwellers, during the weekends and holidays, go on a bicycle ride with their family members to the outskirts of the city to enjoy the natural beauty and fresh environment, or visit nearby tourist attractions. These leisurely bicycle rides have made their lives much more meaningful, enjoyable, refreshing, relaxing, healthy, and exciting.
Outdoor activities, such as playing sports, are necessary for the mental growth of children, but due to a lack of playgrounds and parks, many children in the city are deprived of this right. The scenario has changed; cycling has become the new attraction for children and teenagers. This is enabling them to enjoy their life, stay fit, and refrain from unhealthy activities. Most importantly, it is aiding with their mental growth.
One of the main disadvantages of availing city buses, rickshaws, auto-rickshaws or taxis to go somewhere in Dhaka is that these are quite unreliable, as oftentimes they may not be available, may refuse passengers, or may charge excessively, thus limiting the freedoms of the traveller.
Due to this problem, people often have to cancel their activities. Many women, for this reason, feel discouraged to get a job while some have already left their jobs for this reason.
However, the norm of commuting by bicycle has changed the situation. People who commute by bicycle enjoy the freedom of travelling whenever and wherever.
They are no more dependent on the city’s poor public transport system. Girls and women especially, who commute by bicycle, are now somewhat empowered as they are able to conveniently go to their employment centres.
