Transport - Rickshaw

Today, the heritage topic is about transport.

Hong Kong transport has a big connection. You can use them anywhere.

However, one of the transport you may never see, never seat.

That is today topic "Rickshaw" (人力車).

Introduction

In the past, Rickshaws were a human-powered transport. A rickshaw puller, the man who runs to drive, draws a two-wheeled cart which seats one or two persons. Rickshaws were made with bamboo. It came from Asia where they were mainly used as means of transportation for the social elite.

Runner-pulled rickshaws have mainly been replaced by cycle rickshaws and auto rickshaws. The term "rickshaw" is today commonly used for those vehicles as well.

The word "rickshaw" originates from the Japanese word jinrikisha (人力車, 人 jin = human, 力 riki = power or force, 車 sha = vehicle), which literally means "human-powered vehicle".

History

Rickshaws were first imported to Hong Kong from Japan in 1874. They were a popular form of transport for many years, peaking at more than 3,000 in the 1920s. However, after World War II, it was not that popular. No new licenses for rickshaws have been issued since 1975. About 1980, only a few old men still want to continuous their trade, mainly focus on tourists. Nowadays, there are only 3 to 4 cars in Hong Kong Island and only can take photo. 

 Some Photo about Rickshaw

Although we cannot use this to travel now, the bus company think of a new plan.

Here i find a video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=389ZycSZWF8&feature=related

After you watch the video, do you want to try this ? 

My Answer is " Yes".

How about you?

My reflection

Rickshaw is a special Hong Kong Heritage for me. Although i cannot use it now, it still have its value  of history. If i have a chance to seat it, i would try it. This must be a deep memory in my life. For the rickshaw puller, I feel sorry that they were so hard. They use their power and energy to serve people. I am pround of you. For the new plan of bus company, i must say that this is a good idea. It can help us to know more about Hong Kong Heritage. Also, it can show the special feature of the transportation. Hope this idea would be successful. ^^

Reference

http://hk.epochtimes.com/7/6/1/45690.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rickshaw

--- Mable Chiu