The Changing Face of Cycles: From Necessity to Luxury

I vividly remember my childhood days when the desire for a bicycle was all-consuming. It wasn't just me; it seemed like a rite of passage for all kids. My parents, like many middle-class families, viewed a cycle as a valuable asset. So, when I was in the 4th standard, my father surprised me with a bicycle that towered over me. The struggle to stop that giant cycle without toppling over was a challenge only I could truly appreciate. It took three long years for me to grow tall enough to touch my feet to the ground comfortably.

As I grew older, my bicycle transitioned from being a luxury to a necessity. It became my trusty steed for getting to after-school tuitions and running errands around the neighborhood. It was my means of transportation, and I treasured it for the freedom and convenience it provided.

However, over time, I noticed a shift in perspective. Cycles started to become a luxury item for some. People began attaching them to their cars, embarking on long drives to distant woods just for a brief 30-minute ride. For these individuals, cycling had transformed into a form of exercise and recreation. This was a departure from the purpose it had served in my youth.

Another trend that left me amused was seeing expensive bicycles dedicated to parking areas, covered and forgotten. These once-prized possessions now rusting under the unforgiving sun and rain. It saddened me to think of the joy and freedom these cycles could have brought to someone else if only they were given the chance.

What struck me most was the realization that the current generation may not fully grasp the simple joy of riding a bicycle on a Sunday evening or meeting friends at the local park. The thrill of taking a longer route home just to extend the precious cycling minutes seems like a distant memory. Parents today might find themselves bargaining with their children for an hour of video game time in exchange for a day of studying, a trade-off that parallels the way I earned extra cycling time during my youth.

I consider myself fortunate to have witnessed the changing perceptions of cycles over the years. From a humble childhood dream to a cherished mode of transportation and now to a luxury item, the cycle has evolved along with our society. While the new generation may have different priorities, I can't help but fondly remember the freedom, joy, and sense of accomplishment that came with owning and riding a bicycle during my childhood. Perhaps, in a rapidly changing world, the humble bicycle still holds the power to remind us of simpler times and the beauty of life's simple pleasures.