Bicycling Culture: India vs. Pakistan

Bicycling Culture: India vs. Pakistan Yes, India and Pakistan are two separate countries, but still, there are lots of similarities between their cultures. Both nations used to be one for many centuries until the British divided them. Although it has now been over 70 years since the countries were separated, no one can deny the fact that there are still quite similar things between the nations. When it comes to cycling, after the COVID-19 pandemic, both countries have seen a spike in bike riders in the last two years. Cycling is among the oldest means of transportation and offers a healthy, economical way of travel. Millions of people in both India and Pakistan ride bicycles every day. Earlier, bicycles were mainly used by children or low-income families, but this is rapidly changing. Many well-to-do people have started riding bikes to nearby locations in both countries. For some, it is a mainstream hobby, some ride bikes to cut fuel costs, some ride locally, and some ride because they cannot afford more costly vehicles. One thing for sure is that both India and Pakistan have a big part of their population who ride bikes on a daily basis. In this blog, we will talk about some similarities as well as differences in India and Pakistan's bicycling cultures. Similarities in Bicycling Culture Here are some things that are similar in India and Pakistan's bicycle culture- Budget Bicycle Brands are More Popular Both nations are still developing, and citizens usually go for budget bicycle brands instead of high-end, expensive bikes. Mostly, the middle-class population use bikes for transportation, and budget brands fit their requirements and budget perfectly. There are quite a few brands in India and Pakistan that have been growing strong for decades and manufacture high-quality, simple bikes. Although these bikes don't have flashy features and modern technology, they are still perfect for riding around town. A Large Part of the Population Ride Bikes Daily Some people ride their bicycles on the weekends or just for leisure and recreation. However, there are many laborers and low-income working-class people in both nations that can't afford motor vehicles. They count on bicycles for going to work, shopping, and all other places. No doubt, these people have to use public transport to travel long distances, but they totally depend on their bikes for daily local travel. Numerous Bicycling Groups Both India and Pakistan have no shortage of budding bicycling groups that arrange regular bike rides and races. These groups are strong communities filled with like-minded people and bike enthusiasts who love planning weekend rides. Some groups also go on tours to the mountains or other tough terrains. Bicycling groups are great for promoting cycling in India and Pakistan. People refrain from biking alone but doing so in a group with numerous other people excites them. There are already many fantastic groups in both nations, and these groups will surely increase in number over time. Cycling Infrastructure Could be Better One issue that both nations face is the underdeveloped bicycling infrastructure. The Government needs to tackle this issue and improve the conditions for bikers. This will prompt more people to ride their bikes who currently feel unsafe doing so. Making dedicated bicycle routes, connecting these routes with major road networks, bicycle parking, etc., should be undertaken by the Government. When more people shift to cycling, it will reduce pollution, save lots of fuel, and improve people's overall health and lifestyle. Differences in Bicycling Culture Let's check out the differences between Pakistan and India's cycling culture- No Bicycle Parking in Pakistan as Compared to India Although bicycle parking in India needs quite a few improvements, there are still several bike parking spots in the country. These dedicated parking areas are meant for bicycles only, and riders feel safe and secure parking their bicycles here. In Pakistan, this is not true as there are almost no bicycle parking areas. You may come across one or two in major cities, but that's too low, and the Government surely needs to work on this. Developing bicycling infrastructure and introducing better facilities for bike riders is a must to push people to ride bicycles more. Lower Number of Women Ride Bicycles in Pakistan There are lots of women who ride bicycles in India, almost the same number as men. However, in Pakistan, this is not the case, with a very low number of women riding bicycles. The biggest reason behind this is safety. India is relatively safer for women, and one can see many female bicycle riders riding alone or with bicycling groups. Pakistan has to improve the safety for women and encourage them to ride a bicycle more often. There have to be strict rules and regulations related to women's safety. India Has Many Bicycle Rental Apps but not Pakistan There are multiple bicycle rental applications in India like RenTrip, Drive On Rent, Wicked Ride, etc. People can download these applications on their smartphones and rent a bicycle whenever they want. Also, the bikes available to rent are in great condition and don't cost very much. In Pakistan, there are not many bike rental apps. There used to be none at all, but recently some apps have been introduced in the country. Many people don't rent their bicycles on the few apps that now exist, and so the total pool of available on-demand cycles to rent is relatively small when compared with India. Quality and Range of Bicycles Available in India are Better The bicycle market in India has been growing steadily and shows no sign of stopping. From basic bikes to the latest advanced bikes, everything is available in India. As the bicycling culture continues to rise, many global brands have started selling their bikes in India. Pakistan is a bit behind when it comes to technology. The quality of bikes there is great but not at the level of India yet. Conclusion India and Pakistan will forever have a bond because of their history and location. Many events have happened between the two Asian nations in the past, both for good and bad. One thing that can bring nations closer is cycling. It has been a big part of both country's culture and can be used to unite people. For both Indians and Pakistanis, Sprocket Bicycle Marketplace is a great option to sell and buy bicycles. People can find used bikes, find genuine buyers for their old bikes, and look for bike spare parts at the Sprocket Marketplace. You can access the Sprocket Marketplace on your PC browser or download the Sprocket mobile application on your smartphone now. Start cycling and switch to a healthy, happy life.