Chiang mai: The pedicab, once a popular form of transportation and a symbol of Chiang Mai’s way of life for decades, is now on the verge of disappearing as people gain more convenient and faster transportation options. Of the nearly 200 pedicabs, fewer than 40 remain, and the number is steadily dwindling as the hard-working cyclists who used to support themselves and their families age and become uninhabited. It is estimated that within 10 years, Chiang Mai’s pedicab will be extinct, leaving only the legends of Chiang Mai’s pedicab riders.

According to Thai News Agency, the decline of pedicabs is attributed to the rising popularity of modern transportation methods, which offer more efficiency and speed, making the traditional pedicab less appealing to the general public. This shift in preference has impacted the livelihood of cyclists who have relied on pedicabs as their main source of income for years.

The remaining cyclists face a challenging future as they continue to navigate the streets of Chiang Mai, trying to sustain their profession in an increasingly modernized city. Despite the dwindling numbers, these cyclists carry on with resilience, embodying the spirit of a bygone era in Chiang Mai’s history.