Early Times Report
Srinagar, Sept 13: As public transport has been off from last one month in the valley, the demand of buying cycle has gone up as people take long ride on bicycles. People from all walks of life have been looking for cycle shops to purchase one and go on for a ride to move from one place to another.
From three weeks, Sharik, a masters student have been purchasing all the food items on the newly purchased bicycle, which he bought for Rs. 15,000. He said, "I feel like bicycle is far better than any two wheelers. I go and buy vegetables, purchase medicine and other items on it. Prior to that, it is a kind of exercise as well".
"After finishing dawn prayers, I go home and take my bicycle and search for vegetables in and around the city. The cycle has lain of the burden from me. Buying petrol is difficult things and using cycle in the meantime is a full of exercise", said Shakeel, a shopkeeper.
He added, though I have a car and a two wheeler but it is risky to move outside in such conditions. Damage was done to many cars in our areas, so it is better to ride bicycle than go on with the car. Prior to that, you recall your childhood memories.
The sale of bicycle has somewhat increased and so has its price. The price of bicycle goes up from 10,000 rupees to 30,000 bucks. Ishfaq Ali, who owns a cycle shop, said that from last many weeks, people have been knocking on my door and are asking for variety of cycles. I have sold many cycles and have been repairing many old and new cycles.
He added, "Usually people used to come to shop and purchase bicycle for their children and now since the situation has changed in the valley. Now people ask for cycle that can suite for elders and even are ready to pay good amount of money for it".
My grandchildren used to make fun of my bicycle which I had purchased many years back. Now they are the one who are using it most. From buying tennis balls to purchasing cold drink and chips my grandchildren ride bicycle and now they have admitted that bicycle is an essential mode of transport, Ghulam Ahmed, a retired government employee. |
