If you are a resident of Aligarh, Utter Pradesh of India, don’t even think about using a Rickshaw as a means of transportation. A Rickshaw is a mode of human-powered transport where a runner draws a two-wheeled cart which seats one or two persons.
This decision is a result of a District Magistrate who saw a Rickshaw puller struggling to cart a heavy client up a hill.
Starting the first of the year, if a plus size person is caught on a Rickshaw and the puller is struggling, the police have been instructed to issue a fine.
The question remains, who is considered too large and what if the rickshaw puller is considered under weight and the passenger is average? Will the passenger still receive a fine because the driver is petite? According to statistics over 60% of us would be considered overweight, so we would be denied access to travel this way as well.
Although some Rickshaw pullers are thankful for this new rule, many citizens believe that this sends a poor message because it discriminates against those with extra weight.
In my opinion, this way of transporting people seems a bit strenuous for the puller regardless of the passengers size so instead of leaving out plus size individuals, why not give them a driver who can carry the weight.
The moral of the story: If you’re plus size and live in Aligarh, then you are not allowed to use a Rickshaw as a way of traveling.
Editor-In-Chief, Stephanie Penn-Danforth -- Daily Venus Diva.
I think that the whole idea of human powered transportation like this is a bit inhumane! People might as well piggy back! I am not mad at this law, they should ban it all together!
I agree Cassy, I don’t like them excluding plus size individuals but to make someone pull people is a bit extreme.
Not overlooking the historical and cultural aspects of rick shaw travel, I personally could not see me jumping in one of those manpowered vehicles. I would be embarrassed! So I am not offended or angry about the law at all. Paying for extra seating on an airplane, however, that ticks me off.