College students, young professionals and many others will prefer a two-wheeler to a four-wheeler vehicle. This is not just because of affordability and economy in terms of use (given the current skyrocketing fuel prices), but for reasons of convenience as well. Think weaving in and out of traffic, finding parking on narrow roads and so on. And there are more reasons for this, as Anand Mahindra and others pointed out:
This image shows a couple on a two-wheeler – along with what appears to be dozens of carefully balanced chairs and seating mats.
It is a common sight on Indian roads – all kinds of merchandise precariously piled on to a moped or motorcycle so what we can barely even see who is riding the vehicle
Just that this is a two-wheeler people-mover.
The two-wheeler that carries five – the people mover with a difference.
…Transportation: any which way.
You gotta do what you gotta do.
…Only in India
India’s public transport system is quite poor for the most part.
India is among the most deeply unequal nations in the world. Most Indians simply cannot afford to buy or run a car; ergo two-wheelers are the obvious choice.
The rapid rise in fuel prices following state assembly elections is now pinching everyone. A lot of people find it much cheaper to use a two-wheeler; it is simply a matter of having no choice.
Some thought this was a ‘brilliant meme’ and that it was a good promotion of the vehicle in the image.
The fact is that India has the highest number of road fatalities in the world – the flouting of traffic rules with impunity is the main reason for this.
Some were reminded of the highly trained team of acrobatic bikers from the military/para military.
Some felt that with this sort of post, Anand Mahindra, who can be counted as one of the wealthiest Indians, is trying to romanticise a grim situation. When a person with scant resources is forced to take risks like this, this isn't about innovation, but a lack of options.
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