Odisha artist makes 'Penny-Farthing' bicycle model using matchsticks

On the occasion of World Bicycle Day, a Puri-based 18-year-old artist Saswat Ranjan Sahoo, made an 1870 model of a 'Penny-Farthing' bicycle, using 3,653 matchsticks. The young artist took seven days to craft the model, whose length is 50 inches with a width of 25 inches.

Puri: On the occasion of World Bicycle Day, a Puri-based 18-year-old artist Saswat Ranjan Sahoo, made an 1870 model of a 'Penny-Farthing' bicycle, using 3,653 matchsticks.

The young artist took seven days to craft the model, whose length is 50 inches with a width of 25 inches.

Speaking to the media, Sahoo said, "It took me seven days to prepare this model."

The Penny-Farthing bicycle was extensively used during the period dating back to 1870 to 1880. Nowadays, bicycles are increasingly gaining popularity for exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. As pollution levels rise, a bicycle provides an eco-friendly option.

Therefore, Sahoo told the media that he made the model in order to raise awareness among people about using bicycles. He also urged people to ride bicycles for good health and to keep the environment pollution-free.

"When I was studying in school, I saw this bicycle and immediately got attracted to it. I wished to own such a bicycle but this type of bicycle is not available in our locality now. Thus, I thought to make this bicycle on the occasion of World Bicycle Day," said Sahoo.

World Bicycle Day is celebrated on June 3 every year after its declaration by the United Nations General Assembly in April 2018. This was done to acknowledge the "the uniqueness, longevity, and versatility of the bicycle, which has been in use for two centuries, and that it is a simple, affordable, reliable, clean and environmentally fit sustainable means of transportation, fostering environmental stewardship and health."

(With agency inputs)