Rickshaws are one of the most common modes of transportation in Bangladesh. They are one speed bikes with a seat on the back holding 1 - 2 people comfortably, but are often tested to hold 4 or 5 people. Bangladeshis use rickshaws everyday to travel short distances (maybe 2 – 5 km) within cities and towns. The average rickshaw ride can be anywhere from 10 – 50 Taka, and the price usually depends on distance, number of people, traffic and most importantly, how well you bargain.
One of the most unique things about rickshaws though, is that they are moving pieces of artwork. Art and rickshaws seem to have always existed together, as one rickshaw art supplier told me “when the rickshaws came, the art came.” Every rickshaw is painted and decorated with a variety of brightly colored brush strokes, fabric, tassels and ornaments, transforming otherwise normal bikes into beautiful art that streaks by you on the roaring Dhaka streets.
