Cyclo driver outside Central Market, Phnom Penh. Photo by binh dang nam on Unsplash
A Brief History of the Iconic Cyclo
Conrad Richardson delves into the history (and uncertain future) of the three-wheel, cycle-powered vehicles.
A fixture on the urban landscape since the 1930s, over the years Phnom Penh’s cyclos have been gradually replaced by motorbikes, tuktuks and the rise of ride-sharing apps like PassApp and Grab. A handful of drivers have weathered it out – albeit as a novelty, transporting tourists rather than commuters. But with the pandemic putting a stop to international tourism, will the last of the cyclos survive?
This short documentary by Conrad Richardson gives a fascinating insight into a long-standing but fast-disappearing tradition.
Lead photo: Cyclo driver outside Central Market, Phnom Penh. Photo by binh dang nam on Unsplash
