Two-wheeled transport (by Laura)

The most I've ever attempted to carry on my bicycle is my weekly Sainsbury's shop (a little precarious) or in my school days, a violin and a couple of hockey sticks on the way home.

My efforts pale in comparison to the every day transport that happens here. Bicycles with huge sacks and packages piled precariously on the back make their way through packed streets or even along dual carriageways (see left).

Entire families get around perched on either the handlebars, the panniers or in front of dad (see right); and the ladies sit very elegantly on the back when they go shopping (incredible balance and poise required).

As far as I'm concerned of course, the more two wheeled transport the better. I've only been let loose on the streets once, when a trusting rickshaw man (Lala), let me go a few metres in his brand new machine (see below). I think his nerves got the better of him after he saw how I was coping with the Agra roads.

Toe preservation is a serious issue for pedestrians as bicycles stop for no one. Amazingly we've seen very few mishaps and people seem to show a little respect for bicycles - a lesson I intend to bring home with me to the UK!

Until now I had thought my daily trip across the Hammersmith roundabout was something to write home about - Delhi gave me a whole new perspective on what cycling in rush-hour should really be like.

Laura

P.S Pics courtesy of my cameraman Joe.