Cycle Rickshaw Research Articles

Intimacy and industry: the multiple heterosexual intimacies shaping cycle rickshaw men’s labor and migration in India

ABSTRACT Indian men who migrated circularly from their village homes to Delhi to pedal cycle rickshaws for work practiced intimate relationships with their wives, sex workers, and middle-class female customers. While the intimacy practiced by South Asian men who migrate is, in popular discourse, often framed as deviancy or assumed to be only about physical gratification, this article’s ethnography demonstrates that rickshaw men’s heterosexual/erotic intimacies took multiple forms which were variously characterized by sexual exchange, physical closeness, emotional connections, and/or the denial of gender and sexuality. The intimate practices were informed by intersecting identities and systems of social hierarchy, and it is argued that they had considerable bearing on the men’s migration decisions and labor performance. Although neither intimacy studies nor South Asian labor migration studies are in the habit of analyzing industries like the cycle rickshaw industry through the same lens as, for example, sex work or surrogacy and fertility work, a case is made that such industries that rely on South Asian male migrants’ manual labor and migration may, too, be profitably understood as intimate industries.

Pedalling furiously: Efforts to organise the city's traffic threaten the lives and culture of Dhaka’s cycle rickshaw drivers

Pedalling furiously: Efforts to organise the city's traffic threaten the lives and culture of Dhaka’s cycle rickshaw drivers

Cycling as work: mobility and informality in Indian cities

Set against the marginalization of cycling in Kolkata and Delhi, this article shows how cargo-cyclists and cycle rickshaw pullers make productive contributions to urban economies and negotiate constraints to their mobility in Indian cities. As cheap vehicles, bicycles and cycle rickshaws not only provide opportunities for social and economic mobility, but also contribute to, generate, and sustain vital urban economies. Cycle workers ensure the smooth transportation of goods, people, and services in Indian cities. Situating cycle work at the crossroads of anthropology and urban planning, this article demonstrates how the interdependence of urban economies, regulation of space, and constraints to everyday mobility advances knowledge on contemporary Indian cities. Instead of seeing these spheres as separate strands of investigation and analysis, we suggest that cycling as work draws them together.

A cross-sectional study of musculoskeletal disorder and their environmental determinants among cycle rickshaw pullers of Delhi

Introduction: Rickshaw pulling is among the major activities in the informal sector. Cycle rickshaw pulling involves the task of prolonged sitting, fixed posture, and vibrations which could increase the risk of developing many health problems including one of the major problems of musculoskeletal disorder (MSD). Rickshaw pulling remains important for urban transport system, and such activities contribute in terms of employment and transportation services. The injury and illness resulting from work leads to lower productivity and quality employment which force them to increase their daily hours of working. The work environment and various other environmental determinants for MSD were assessed. The spatial variability of these environmental determinants and MSDs of cycle rickshaw pullers was studied in Delhi. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among cycle rickshaw pullers of Delhi. Five districts were randomly selected, and out of 448 study subjects, a total of 425 were included in the study. Consent was obtained before the study. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire instrument for MSDs was used. The spatial distribution of MSD and risk factors was studied using QGIS software. Results: MSD was observed in 51.5% of the cycle rickshaw pullers and the prevalence increased with age from 9.6% to 34.7%. A statistically significant association of MSD with duration of work, sleeping hour, and sleeping place was observed. Poor road condition and posture were also having an association with MSD. Conclusion: Every second cycle rickshaw puller was having MSD. Lifestyle, road conditions, harsh environmental condition, strenuous physical exertion, and ergonomics of the cycle rickshaw were important factors contributing for MSD.

Financial Inclusion Through Banking for the Poor: A Study on Cycle Rickshaw Pullers in West Bengal

Financial services actively contribute to the economic development of society. This leads to social safety that protects people from economic shocks. The present study seeks to ascertain whether cycle rickshaw pullers of West Bengal have bank accounts and to also investigate if bank account awareness among cycle rickshaw pullers are affected by different socio-economic factors. The study has been conducted on 170 rickshaw pullers who belong to the poor and marginalized sections of society. The study uses logistic regression to estimate important factors that influence the opening of a bank account. The goodness of fit of the model is checked in terms of the Hosmer–Lemeshow test. A large percentage of this group of rickshaw pullers is excluded from banking services. Among the 10 explanatory variables, the study finds that the number of years pulling cycle rickshaws, the monthly income and social participation are the factors that significantly influence the opening of a bank account. It has been observed that the respondents have meager incomes, low levels of health care and personal well-being, lives entrapped in poverty and are, on the whole, excluded from the mainstream. To include them in the mainstream financial services, the study suggests valid recommendations to draw the attention of the regulators and banks towards financial inclusion. JEL Codes: G21, G29

The last mile connectivity: Experience of passengers and drivers of E-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws in an Indian city

Promoting mobility by public transport, rather than individual automobiles, is a worldwide accepted and promoted sustainable solution. Traditionally, cycle-rickshaws have been the backbone of localised transportation in cities of India, thus a key component of 'Last Mile Connectivity' (LMC) in the urban transport sector. However, in the last few years, there has been an attempt to replace cycle rickshaws with battery-operated 'e-rickshaws' to make cities smarter. This paper examines the feasibility and consequences of such change in Ranchi, the capital city of Jharkhand state in India, its impact on traditional cycle rickshaw pullers; and how they fit in the overall urban transport sector. This paper presents Passengers' and Drivers' overall experience of E-Rickshaws and Cycle Rickshaws in promoting last-mile connectivity. Data collected through in-depth interviews with twenty e-rickshaw drivers, twenty rickshaw pullers, and twenty passengers in Ranchi highlights the user experiences of e-rickshaw and advantages, disadvantages, as well as the effectiveness of e-rickshaw on the streets. The study shows that E-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws may remain a viable Last Mile Connectivity in the urban transport sector.

Work-related stress in cycle rickshaw taxi drivers from Mexico City's Historic Downtown.

In Mexico, neither the pathological profile nor the health/illness conditions of the cycle rickshaw taxi drivers have been studied. Therefore, the factors that influence the physical and mental health of this labor group are unknown. To describe the characteristics of working and health/illness conditions that influence the stress level of the cycle rickshaw taxi drivers from Mexico City’s Historic Downtown. 90% (n = 110) of the workers participated in a cross-sectional study of a correlational type, in which a survey on working conditions and health was applied. Stress was analyzed using the Aro Symptomatic Scale, and vital signs, somatometry and a blood test were measured to analyze lipids and glucose. 16% of drivers were assessed with a high level of stress. No association was found with conditions related to physical and behavioral health, such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, overweight, smoking and alcohol consumption. Therefore, the perception of violence risk (odds ratio [OR]: 1.19), the risks associated with the vehicle (OR: 1.18), having had a work accident (OR:38.2) and musculoskeletal complaints —mainly, in the elbow (OR: 1.20) and wrists (OR: 1.11)— are the factors that most influence the level of stress. The main cause of stress in drivers is related to the risks of their activity and musculoskeletal conditions, so interventions and action protocols are suggested to help preventing and face the risks of workers.

“Work Is Mandaa”: Breadwinning, Sexual Fitness, and Anti‐Productivism among Cycle Rickshaw Men in North India

AbstractMen who migrate to Delhi, India, from West Bengal to fulfill the male breadwinner expectation by operating cycle rickshaws claim that business is slow, which keeps their families’ expectations for remittances low and helps camouflage their slacking. Slacking is a crucial activity in light of the men’s belief that operating a cycle rickshaw dries out their bodies such that it reduces their sexual fitness. Their laziness supports the masculine goal of remaining sexually fit, and when they privilege this goal over the demand for productivity inherent in the breadwinner role, the standard analytic of productive versus reproductive labor becomes untenable. It is instead argued that the men’s behavior reveals a limited case of anti‐productivism. Studies of anti‐productivism are usually confined to Western workers, and those that take gender into account usually focus on workers’ gendered positions in society’s division of labor. This article shows how clashes between gender ideals at the somatic level can provoke an anti‐productivist response. It also shows that tension between culturally particular ideas about the embodied consequences of labor performance and workers’ gendered body ideals can have profound effects on the workers’ orientation to their labor.1

Numerical investigation of frame for human powered flywheel equipped cycle rickshaw

Recent awareness in fossil fuel depletion due to large consumption with regard of population number growth from time to time, and environment degradation due to fossil fuel combustion emission has generated. This research focuses on the design of human powered flywheel equipped cycle rickshaw. The operating mechanism of this vehicle is same as the upright bicycle. The study conducted by reviewing different related previous works. The main objective of this work is designing flywheel equipped cycle rickshaw, to harvest kinetic energy lost during braking or slow down for later use. This done by using a mechanism incorporated with flywheel and clutch system. The study is carried out for design of the frame. The frame of this work cycle rickshaw designed by using both up right bicycle fit data and anthropometrics data in order to develop ergonomic and rigid frame. After the needed component geometry and dimension analyzed the model of cycle rickshaw components developed by using CATIA software. The design considers both static and dynamic condition. For FE analysis ANSYS 15 is used to find out total deformation, equivalent (von mises) stress, maximum shear stress and factor of safety.

Health Status of Cycle Rickshaw Pullers in Allahabad (India)

Occupation is one of the most important extrinsic factors which have the major impact on health. Pedalling the tricycle rickshaw is a most stressful job. Rickshaw Pullers are extensively exposed to the air pollutants in conjunction with strenuous exercise. In the present study demographic details along with nutritional status, hygiene status and morbid conditions were obtained from fifty Rickshaw Pullers (RPs) in Allahabad.

Regression and ANN Models of Pulse Rate for Tricycle Rickshaw

Designing for the oppressed part of the generalized public is one of the fundamental prerequisites for comprehensive design in a developing nation like India. With a spurt being developing inside a nation, the financial distance between those who are well off and the wealthy not are expanding and this divergence is making social agitation in the nation. Tricycles rickshaw is a small-scale ordinary means principally utilized for transportation. Numerous deficiencies were reported in the existing type of tricycle. For optimization of those deficiencies, three different models of cycle rickshaw were utilized, and the input parameter that regulates the consumption of human energy and performance was identified. Regression Analysis (RA) and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) were utilized for analysis of the experimental data. Both RA and ANN modeling were assessed statistically with the aid of a software tool. RA of the experimental data reveals that input variable load is a most prominent parameter to be focused on tor achieving the objective of expending minimum human energy by a rickshaw puller whereas ANN studies acknowledged the assistance of multiple factors in individual energy. However, load is a most prominent parameter for minimization of individual energy as Outcome. Optimization of input variables using Min-Max principle for various regression models yielded the optimal solution at crank length 167 mm and wheel diameter 675mm for human energy for all linear regression models.

Trips Generated by Rickshaw Pullers and Trip Rate for Cycle Rickshaws: A Case Study of Delhi

With rapid growth in urbanization, the demand of infrastructural services has boosted up. High economic opportunities in metropolitan cities lead to increased movement of people which ultimately results in very large demand of transportation services. As transportation sector has very large impact on the social, economic and environmental growth of a country it is imperative to make it greener and more sustainable. For a country to have a better growth, transportation sector should be inclusive and provide equity. Cycle Rickshaws are a green mode of transport that has to the potential to provide last-mile-connectivity, act as feeder mode, as well as supplant motorized trips for shorter distances. The usage of cycle rickshaw is seen in many parts of India and it forms a popular mode of transport for shorter trips made in small towns. Since NCT of Delhi, which has tremendous number of motorized vehicles plying on its roads, the promotion and improvement in cycle-rickshaw services may provide a respite to the environment from the carbon load. With this motivation, this study aims to study the trip generation pattern for cycle rickshaw for selected locations of Delhi. The results reveal that age, status and duration of ownership, income, perception of difficulty governs the number of trips generated by pullers. Occupancy and the trip rates are also analyzed in the article. This study aims to provide an initiative towards the development of sustainable transportation by taking a step forward in the direction of organized structure of Non-motorized vehicles.

Chronic poverty, technology and human development: A comparative analysis of cycle rickshaw pliers and electric rickshaw pliers

Chronic poverty, technology and human development: A comparative analysis of cycle rickshaw pliers and electric rickshaw pliers

Design of an Electrically Powered Rickshaw, for Use in India

The main aim of this article is to present research findings related to the design of an electric rickshaw for use in Kolkata, India, identifying weaknesses in the current cycle rickshaw, developing a design solution to address problems found, and exploring the possibility of utilising solar power. Through research and testing it was found there were many design issues, concerns with health and safety, comfort, and ergonomics. All problems found were addressed by implementing design upgrades. The testing of the current cycle rickshaw identified the power and energy required to implement an electric drive system, where a 500 W 24 V DC motor and a battery capacity of 220 ampere hours was used in conjunction with a pedal assist system to provide a range of up to 52 km. A conceptual prototype was developed to prove the successful application of a pedal assist system, which was established as a viable option for design. The design has been critically evaluated and the relevant issues discussed.

A Cross Sectional Study to Assess Musculoskeletal Disorders among Bangladeshi Cycle Rickshaw Pullers and its Association with Ergonomics and Work-related Factors

Background: Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are the most common and largest category of work-related illness seen both in a developed & developing country. Purpose: The purpose of the study to assess the MSDs of Cycle Rickshaw (CR) Pullers & to find out the significance between MSDs with related variables. Material & Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 136 CR Pullers residing in the Dhaka Metropolitan city. Purposive sampling technique was used where data were collected by a structure administered questionnaire with face to face interview & data was analyzed by SPSS (Version 20). Results: Results indicated that the prevalence of MSDs was 91% where upper back, lower back, leg & calf muscle, & knee joint was the more prevalent site. Some ergonomics and work related factors are responsible for developing MSDs. However, there was a significant relationship between MSDs with weight bearing (P<0.05) & daily rickshaw pulling time (p<0.05). In addition, an extremely high significant relationship found between MSDs with age (p<0.001) and BMI (p<0.001). Conclusion: It is concluded that MSDs among CR pullers were extremely high. Awareness of ergonomics and work-related factors might help to prevent and reduce the prevalence of MSDs among CR pullers.

The Ergonomic Assessment of Cycle Rickshaw Operators Using Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (Rula) Tool and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (Reba) Tool

Abstract In India, the population of about eight lacks people who are engaged in riding cycle rickshaw as an occupation. It is an unorganized sector of India. A cycle rickshaw is a modified form of bicycle which is the cheapest mode of transportation for carrying passengers, luggage and goods. Many tasks connected with this occupation are associated with strenuous body postures, and some body movements typical for this job which, when combined with a heavy load, result in frequent work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs).Working postures were analyzed by means of Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) tool and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) tool in order to determine the area of discomfort. The outcome of the research is beneficial for manufactures of cycle rickshaws and similar products well as users of such products, including cycle rickshaw operators. Some suggestions were given to have increase the comfort and safety level.

Speed Analysis Approach to Evaluate Traffic Congestion in Pabna Town

During the last decades urban migration rate has broken all records in Bangladesh due to several factors like climatic changes, increase in national income, technological advancements etc. These unusual urban dwellers create pressure on travel pattern within the cities. As a result intensive traffic flow has become a common scenario in almost every city in Bangladesh which creates severe traffic congestion that brings speechless woe for citizens. This situation challenges transportation planners and engineers to provide sustainable traffic management strategies to manage traffic congestion. This study has been conducted to measure the intensity of traffic congestion of Pabna town and to identify the traffic congestion spot within the town. Spot speed study and journey and delay studies were the main methodological approaches to conduct the study. The data collected has been analyzed through the use of different statistical computer packages. The study has explored that the average speed of Pabna town has found 13.67 K. P. H with average delays of 3.38 minutes or 203 seconds for a single journey. Pachmatha morr has been identified as the most congested prone intersection of the town. The study has also found that pedestrians movement on the streets due to unavailable footpath, unauthorized hawkers alongside the streets, illegal parking on streets, loading and unloading of passengers by auto-rickshaw and cycle rickshaw, right diverging and cross movement of traffic flow at intersections are the major causes of creating traffic congestion in the town. The suggestion from the study is one-way traffic flow and strict implementation of traffic regulation as a possible solution of congestion for the town.

Assessment of Traffic Congestion by Traffic Flow Analysis in Pabna Town

In recent time, traffic congestion problem has become one of the most costly, both monetary and environmentally, problems in many cities all over the world. It also causes valuable time loss of citizens. Many experts suggested that the foremost step to mitigate the congestion problem is to identify traffic congestion characteristics. This study has been conducted to measure the intensity of traffic congestion of Pabna town. Traffic volume survey and spot speed study were the main methodological approaches to conduct the study. The data collected has been analyzed through the use of different statistical computer packages. Different traffic flow theories and models have also been used to calculate traffic flow parameters that expose traffic characteristics. The study has explored that auto-rickshaw, cycle rickshaw, bicycle, and motorcycle are the popular traffic mode and traffic flow becomes so intensive during the morning, noon and evening hours. It has also revealed that Ataikula road is the most congestion-prone route than A.H road and the level of services of all intersections is F except traffic morr which provided a comparatively better level of services to the travelers of the town. The study has also identified the major problems associated with different road sections having poor level of services.

Role of Non -Motorized Transport in Distribution of Goods in the Metropolitan City of Delhi

Abstract Freight transport plays a vital role in metropolitan economy of Delhi. The goods traffic moving in and out of Delhi is increasing at an average annual growth rate of 10.97%. While LCV forms the backbone of goods movement along with goods auto rickshaws in Delhi for longer leads the non-motorized modes are increasingly becoming important for shorter leads for distributing goods particularly in wholesale markets located in the Walled city besides selected wholesale markets located outside the walled city. This present paper is an attempt to highlight the role of NMT modes such as cycle rickshaws, handcarts, animal carts, cycle rickshaw and head loads in five case wholesale markets located in walled city of Delhi dealing in foodgrains, textiles, autoparts, electrical and hardware respectively besides two wholesale markets of timber and fruits & vegetable market at Kotla and Okhla in South Delhi respectively.

Impact of cycle rickshaw trolley (CRT) as non-motorised freight transport in Delhi

Cycle rickshaw trolley (CRT) is a widely used non-motorised mode of intra-city freight transport in Delhi. While a number of studies are available for non-motorised passenger rickshaws, role of CRT in urban goods movement has not been studied adequately. This paper presents findings from a survey of 2000 CRT drivers in Delhi in 2011. The paper highlights the contribution of CRT in city goods movement, savings in fuel and emissions and benefits to CRT drivers. If CRT s are replaced by motorised vehicles, CO2 emissions from vehicular traffic will increase by over 3% and hydrocarbon emissions will increase by over 8% and six to seven hundred thousand people will have to find alternate employment. The findings have a direct impact on various urban freight policies and welfare policies for the poor.