Strolling through the Bicycle lane of the city

It is enjoyable, convenient, and good for the environment. It is understandable why the bicycle was sometimes referred to be “the noblest invention of mankind.” On June 3, the world celebrates Bicycle Day to raise awareness on the many advantages of cycling. Cycling offers numerous advantages for people, societies, and the environment, particularly in light of climate change. It is also a terrific form of exercise. Many nations are prioritising cycling infrastructure and measures to promote a better quality of life.

Vadodara is one such city that hosts an entire lane selling bicycles since the pre- Gaekwadi period. It is known as the Madan Jhapa Road. While walking through the lane, one would find the display of varied types of bicycles on both the sides. Few shops are new, while there are many which exist since the time of Gaekwad rule in the city. “We are basically from Dhodka, my great grandfather had shifted to Vadodara during the Gaekwad rule and had the business of selling vegetables,” shares Kishanbhai Patel whose owns a garage in the same lane.

Shift in the family business

Though major shops were that of bicycles, many have shifted from their core business of selling something else to selling bicycles to fit with the expectations of the lane. “Our family lives here since past 300 years, which is the pre- Gaekwad phase,” says Sajidbhai Taydiwala who belongs to a Sunni-Ghanchi community. They had business of selling milk, almost like a dairy at one point during Gaekwad. Bharwads used to sell their milk to them and people of city used to buy milk from here, but with the onset of other dairies, there was decrease in the sale and hence they shifted to bicycle business. Though they still have their dairy business at Panigate.

One of the most interesting aspect of this lane is that the commercial and residential is in the same building. There will be a shop on the ground floor and the owners and their family live on the floors above the shop.

Indian brand vs. other brands

Are people actually vocal for local? “Since the Indian production was on halt during the recent pandemic, we were importing cycles from China,” shares Satishkumar Sahu who is basically from Uttar Pradesh and owns shop since past 15 years. His ancestors had the same business in UP. He finds a steep decrease in the sales of bicycles this year. “Sale is highest during the month of June- July and then during Navaratri till Diwali, but this season is down,” informs Sahu.

People belonging to an average middle class family would definitely not invest in expensive bicycles as they have to meet the basic requirements first. “We have farmers coming all the way from Padra and Jambusar to buy the desi cycles. That is the hottest selling product,” shares Sahu. He further proudly stated that the bicycles manufactured in India tops the list.

Online selling over the offline

We are living in the times where we get flattered by the ‘upto 70% off’ on online sales. Have we ever thought about its impact on the local markets? “Our sales is decreasing at a steady pace with the e-commerce now taking the front seat,” opines Pranav Shah who owns a bicycle shop since 1962. Though online market does not give any option of after sale services, still people choose to get everything at their doorstep which impacts the local market. “Along with the free services, you also get to see the real product. It isn’t like viewing something else and receiving something else,” says Shah.

Moreover, forget about buying a bicycle online or offline, one must use it as the reliability on petrol won’t be beneficial in the longer run. Also, this mode is ecological and it helps us create a sustainable environment around us while also keeping us healthy and wealthy.