This is a picture of the way it is . . . . roads in a country with 1.3 billion people travelling together. In fact, this looks like an intersection we passed often on the way to and from Alpha One Mall in Ahmedabad. I had a lovely India comment thanking me earlier in my blogging, that I didn’t dwell on Indian traffic and driving. Lots of tourists write on all things roads in India. I don’t think it is possible for Indian people to understands how startling this is to the prior western experience. 
This family is on the way to school. Notice that Dad has on a helmet. This family is doing well to afford the scooter. This gives them much more freedom to navigate such huge cities. Remember when I posted the list of 50 + cities in India with at least 1,000,000 souls in residence?
Six people, the laundry + the dog! Indian people are very good at adapting.
Five “stair step” boys + Dad and the baby off to school in the morning. We saw no school buses anywhere, only kids driven either in cars, on scooters or walking. The uniforms are a hold over from the British days.
One of my first memories was going out with several of the girls and seeing a car hit a woman on a motorcycle. She got herself up, dusted off, got on the righted bike ( Okki and Erin helped her) and drove off. There was no exchange of numbers and information and no call for the police. We all experienced at least a few bumps while riding in the rickshaws and no one ever stopped. . . . . it was all in a days experience on the streets of India. It works, as we saw very few serious accidents.
All the Indian people are anxious to become part of the Middle Class and many have high hopes if Mr. Modi is appointed the new Prime Minister in 2014. For the very poor, that would mean owning a bike or scooter. Those already in the Middle Class are dreaming of owning a car. My question is where will there be room for these new modes of transportation ? Ah. . . .the Indians will adapt!
Namaste. . . . . . .This Is Incredible India !
Pictures from Google Images. . . . Public Domain
TalesAlongTheWay 
OMG!! No helmets! I love the dog one. People are great!
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Just amazing! Such a different way of life to what we are used to in the west
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Interesting post. This is reality… The sad thing is, it’s not because these people aren’t educated or anything of the sort – it’s because they can’t afford to have a second bike or a car… The last photograph was overwhelming!
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Oh I hope you didn’t take my post as criticizing of the Indian people. I have only high praise at how they meet the challenges of their life. They are bright, educated people as a whole. They are amazing how they get it done! Thanks for the comment!
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No, not at all! I was actually thanking you, because not everyone knows about this aspect of India. The focus always remains more on the culture and heritage. Please don’t get me wrong. 🙂
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OK, good. If you read more of my Indian posts you will see I have only the greatest regard for India.. . . . . warts and all!
😎
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Yup! I have definitely read other posts of yours and they are all from the heart, which is what I love about your blog. 🙂
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I am so happy about that! Please visit often!
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I really liked your post, I think you have very well represented the things, yes we are very good at adapting and right now the whole India is aspiring for more and aspiring for better things…and for sure for a better infrastructure as well. 🙂
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These are awesome!!
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It is now illegal for more than two people to ride on a two-wheeler in India. But law has way of not being followed here…
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Reblogged this on It Is What It Is and commented:
As others have it!!!
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Reblogged this on Oyia Brown.
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Simple math: X amount of space, having XX amount of roads, filled with XXXXX amount of people, equals a world where one must make the improbable possible. Indians have been doing it for a very long time. Silly to criticize if you haven’t experienced the same conundrum yourself! I’m glad I’m not challenged with this, having a great fear of motorized vehicles of the two-wheeled sort, but also glad others can make the best of them.
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Thank you so much for taking time to comment. You are exactly right. First the Indian are amazing people…oh gee…I have said that before! I hope life will get easier for all of them starting with plumbing for everybody as well as full tummies!
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lol… The photographs were well taken and became core of the article.
I loved the phases “No problem, Indians will adapt”. On one hand, it provides a solution to the problem , on the other hand, it raises serious questions. for how long one will adapt and is this adaptation good for us , the future generations or the Country.
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You have a good point. I hope that with a strong , dynamic leader working for the people that things are going to change. . . . . and not fast enough!
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