Motorcycles usurping cycling's throne: An examination of the shift in transportation preference
In the bustling streets of Dhaka, motorcycles have become a common sight, overtaking bicycles as the preferred mode of transportation for many. This shift, which started around 2013-2014, can be attributed to several factors, including economic and lifestyle changes, technological advancements, and local manufacturing.
As lifestyles and economic conditions changed, people began to prefer motorized vehicles for convenience and status. Motorcycles, especially those assembled locally, became more accessible and affordable, offering a faster and more efficient mode of transportation, especially over longer distances. This made them more appealing for daily commutes.
Local production of motorcycles, such as the initiation of assembly plants in Bangladesh, increased the availability and affordability of these vehicles. This made them more competitive with bicycles in terms of cost and convenience. As a result, motorcycles became a more viable option for a broader demographic.
There is also a social preference for motorbikes, especially among younger generations who view them as a status symbol or a part of their lifestyle. As people's incomes rose, they opted for motorbikes over bicycles, seeing them as a more desirable mode of transportation.
Environmental and infrastructure factors, such as increasing urban heat and traffic congestion, might also influence people's decisions to use motorbikes over bicycles. Motorbikes can provide better protection from extreme weather and potentially faster travel times in congested areas.
The rise of easy bikes, such as battery-powered or electric assist, also competed with traditional bicycles, offering a more appealing option for those seeking some physical activity without the full exertion of cycling.
This shift is not limited to Dhaka. Fahim, who returned to his hometown Bagerhat in 2021, observed a decline in the use of bicycles. In small towns, 100-110cc motorcycles are popular among those focused on fuel economy, while 150cc motorcycles with safety features like Combined Braking Systems or ABS are preferred by safety-conscious riders.
The move from bicycles to motorcycles has been due to the reduction in prices and the expansion of 3S centres (Sales, Service, Spare parts) making motorcycles affordable for lower-middle-income families. Even lower-middle-class families are increasingly choosing easy bikes, which are affordable for several kilometres travel for just Tk10.
The arrival of brands like Royal Enfield, known for its rugged build and vintage style, has added another dimension to this shift. Royal Enfield bikes are not just machines, according to Shafkat Sakin, they are a story - a legacy that includes dropping from parachutes during World War II and crossing the highest motorable pass in the world.
The decline in bicycle use is a broader shift across Bangladesh, which started around 2013-2014 with the increase in motorcycle production within the country. This shift has been further promoted by the birth of ride-sharing platforms, turning motorcycles into income-generating tools.
In recent years, electric scooters have become popular, appealing to a younger generation who value utility and identity. Scooters, easy to handle and gear-free, have gained a significant niche, especially among women, elderly riders, and the style-conscious urban youth. In Bagerhat, electric scooters and Royal Enfield motorcycles have become common, with pastel-toned e-scooters and Royal Enfield bikes replacing the sound of bicycle bells.
COVID-19 played a critical role in the shift from bicycles to motorcycles in Bangladesh, as ride-sharing became a popular means of survival and solo travel became more desirable due to infection fears.
This shift from bicycles to motorcycles, and more recently to electric scooters, reflects the changing landscape of transportation in Bangladesh, driven by economic, social, and technological factors, as well as shifts in lifestyle and preferences.
The increasing affordability of motorcycles, both locally manufactured and imported, has contributed significantly to the shift of transportation preference from bicycles to motorcycles, especially with the reduction in prices and the expansion of 3S centers.
This trend in shifting from bicycles to motorized vehicles such as motorcycles and electric scooters is also observed in smaller towns, where these more modern and convenient modes of transportation have become increasingly popular, even among lower-middle-income families.
