Rickshaw riding at Jogjakarta, Indonesia

The cycle rickshaw is a small-scale local means of transport; it is also known by a variety of other names such as bike taxi, velotaxi, pedicab, bikecab, cyclo, beca, becak, trisikad, or trishaw or, simply, rickshaw which also refers to auto rickshaws, and the, now uncommon, rickshaws pulled by a person on foot. Cycle rickshaws are human-powered, a type of tricycle designed to carry passengers in addition to the driver. They are often used on a for hire basis. Cycle rickshaws are widely used in major cities around the world, but most commonly in cities of South, Southeast and East Asia.


becak and its passangers

Cycle rickshaws in Indonesia are called becak (pronounced [ˈbetʃaʔ]. Becak were considered an icon of the capital city of Jakarta prior to its ban in the 1970s. Citing concerns of public order, the city government forbade them on the city's main streets.
Scenes of the anti-becak campaign appear in the 1975 Canadian film Wet Earth and Warm People, a documentary by Michael Rubbo. Despite the attempts at eradication, however, many becak still operate near slums throughout the city. Attempts at reinforcing the ban resulted in large-scale seizures of the vehicle in the late 1990s and in 2007.

Becak at corner

In several cities in Indonesia, especially at Jogjakarta, becak still used for public transportation. Becaks are commonly used to travel a short distance. Mothers often use a rickshaw to go to the market, take the kids to school or other purposes.

waiting for customers

In addition to transportation, some rickshaws converted to entertainment for children, equipped with colorful lights and some rebuilt with additonal benchs. usually these rickshaws operate in recreation park.

fancy becak

Some tips when riding Becak:

• You should give a clear destination. if you do not know where it is, mention of the characteristics of the area.
• Unless you already know the fare, always ask for the fare before you get on, you can negotiate for a reasonable rate if you think rates are too expensive.

reference:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cycle_rickshaw