Bicycling and Rabies and Malaria in India

googieschlot

My name is Greg and I'm in New York and I'll be going all over India (it's my first trip) in January and February and I'm trying to find more things to worry about for my trip and I wanted to know why in the "health issues" portions of guide books and medical websites that a rabies vaccination is suggested if one plans to do some biking in India.

I have done a lot of biking in Mexico and Mexican dogs HATE bicyclists. Are Indian dogs also pretty aggressive when they see bicyclists passing by and are they going to bite me and give me rabies? Is that why it's suggested to get a rabies shot because they think dogs chase down bikers and bite them and give them rabies, or do they assume that someone doing any "biking" is going to be cruising around lots of farmland or other rural areas?

I really enjoy riding a bike around cities so I will want to rent a bicycle when it's available but I would take it easy if I found out that lots of wild dogs are aggressive in the cities and are rabies carriers. Does anyone have any thoughts about that?

Also, does anybody know if I am more prone to getting mosquito bites if I am riding a bicycle rather than walking around?

And does anybody have any thoughts whether it would be totally inadvisable to do some biking in the big cities (like Calcutta, Mumbai or Delhi) or does the level of street chaos really put someplace like New York City (where there's tons of traffic and I'm used to it) to shame?

Thanks very much for any thoughts on biking and how that could increase any chances of getting rabies or malaria, and also if biking in the big cities is just really something to not think about doing....

Greg in New York

seventies'hippy

You said it greg "Totally Unadvisable"

__________________
.
.
.

My Photo Gallery

katyrafi

I have no idea what the prevalence of rabies is in India but I would have thought that a rabid dog wouldn't be up to much chasing of bicycles!

Riding my bike around a rural area is great fun and there are some crazy dogs that think chasing a bicycle is a good game but I can ride faster than they can run (mostly - makes my heart leap though). My husband had a nasty accident when a dog ran out at him at night so he always carries a small rock with him to throw.

Riding a bike in a big city - as Seventy's Hippie says - not a chance!! Trivandrum is more than I could cope with. Out in the country, yeah great although there are all manner of cows, goats, children, dogs to catch you unawares - but then that's half the fun and marginally less scary than when a cow walks in front of you when you're travelling at 60kmph on a motorbike.

With the wind you create on a bike the chances of mosie bites are fewer in my experience, usual precautions of wearing long sleeves and Odomos apply.

Bikes are everywhere in India and very cheap to rent - 5 rupees an hour, or you could splash out and buy your own - I got my 18 gear bike for 3500rs. The major problem is rust due to the humidity and monsoon. I suggest you bring a few spanners with you for running repairs, although many roadside shops have hand pumps for pumping up your tires.

Go for it

__________________
Those who dare to fail miserably can achieve greatly

GoanCanuck

You can forget about riding a bicycle in any of the big cities in India. In the rural areas it is possible although the dogs can be a real hassle.

mumblyjoe22

I don't think Indian dogs are really much different than Mexican dogs...

Dogs are dogs and like to chase people bikes (and be warned that a dog with rabies can still chase things). I've never actually biked in the Indian countryside, so I don't really know for certain, but I guess that it's probably safe, just keep maybe a few rocks or a stick or something to fend off any that get too close. And don't bike at night of course.

Mosquitos are no problem if you're traveling fast enough.

kiwi_razz

I've cycled in Bangalore and not had a problem, however I alway stick to the quieter roads where possible. Its not THAT bad.

When I was last in Kathmandu (5 yrs ago) I cycled through rush hour traffic. Now that was an adrenaline rush.

Motorcycl_Adventurer

Hi,

You can forget about biking [cycling as it is mentioned in India] for fun in big cities as there are no separate lanes for cycles and people riding cycles are often associated as poor ppl. Though a colourful cycle + clothes+ helmet may stand out....!

The concept of cycling for adventure is not prevalent in india, nad one generally cycles when he cannot afford a motorBIKE. Further, there are no separate parking facilities in india for cycles and it is possible that some motorbiker may toss ur ccle around to make more room for parking his motorbike....

I learnt that there are new 'advanced cycles' available in india [big cities only...] which can fit ur requirement of touring...check out some websites...though most bicycle manufacturers may have a couple of HI_END models to satisfy elite customers.

some brands in india are: hercules, hero, atlas.

I also saw an Ad recently for a cycle that had diskbrakes both in front and rear wheel...costing approx US$250 in Delhi.

All kinds of non-automated tools can be purchased in india very cheaply for ur cycle.

Carry your bicycle to the room where you stay and dont leave it in open area as it is very easy for theives to carry it away.

You can pass through some big cities on ur route ..otherwise u may miss some good places that lie in cities. But make sure you dont ride during the morning and evening peak hours..

Hope to learn more about your rides in India...!

Dont refer ur bike as bike[in India]...call it CYCLE..

Happy Riding..!

__________________
****************************** ****
http://bikeking.blogspot.com
http://justaboutmyself.blogspot.com
****************************** ****

anindya911

Hi Greg
Welcome to India
despite the fact what others say, there is a sizable amount of people riding cycles in India, be it be city or village. And bicycle toruing is not so uncommon nowdays. So, if you want you can.
As for the Dogs chasing cycles (& the rider), that do happen, but not so frequently. Anyhow, if you got the rabies shots, you shouldn't worry anyway.
For the mosquitoes, they tend to bite when you are stationary, not while walking or biking. So, no problems there!
If you intend to ride the bike for longer durations, that is more than half a day at a stretch, then it shouldn't be a good idea to rent a bike, you'll usually get an unique piece of junk every time. So, either you can bring your own bike (& all the hassle) or buy an Indian bike (not so OK quality).
Best of luck & Go for It!

Anindya

edwardseco

I actually did bike in Delhi for a few months but in the civilized south. Biking in the center is suicide and I have run down at least 2 such infernal nuissances. Had friend that got bit on a bike so I would say it was good sense to get a rabies shot. It doesn't stop you from having to get treatment!! Just buys some time and convenience in the treatment. If you are outdoors there must be a greater chance you will get bitten. Malaria prevention is cheap in India though..

Nick-H

I think that the only time that the mossies will leave you alone is when you are riding your bike!

An Oz friend of mine borrows a bike whenever he comes to Chennai and swears by it. Remember cities are not all main roads: lots of quiert small streets as well.

Me, having not ridden since the age of ten I seem to have lost the knack (yes, one can forget how to ride a bicycle). I never had the courage to ride in London, so I suppose I wouldn't here.

Don't worry about the mossies and the dogs: worry about the buses!

__________________
.


Just one member of the IndiaMike Mod Team