Okay, not really...more like a tiny wagon attached to a bicycle. Â This is a scene I shot in the town of Shipshewana, Indiana. Most days the town is congested with an eclectic mix of buggies, cars, tourist buses, and the occasional semi-truck rumbling through.. Â The roads do have ample shoulders which serve as buggy lanes so that helps somewhat, but I still might be a little nervous to have my youngest passengers so exposed! That said, we aren't to judge. Â The Amish take such risk in stride, just part of the price they pay for living simply. Â I'm sure the little wagon is fun for the children. Bicycles are permitted in most northern Indiana Amish settlements. The use of bikes varies from Amish settlement to Amish settlement, some allow them, while others don't.
Julia
Leave in the am for Shipshewana? RU going there to see the musical "Half Stitch." i read her Amish fiction is we are really excited.
Paula
Kevin, kids all over North America ride in 'wagons' and trailers on their parents' bikes (http://www.amazon.com/Croozer-Double-Bicycle-Trailer-Silver/dp/B001GAP5DA). At least they are in a smaller community that is used to 'vehicles' on the side of the road. I've seen bikes and trailers in downtown Toronto. Now those are the kids to worry about.
Dave
I thought it was wrong to take pictures of the Amish. But yet I see lots of photos on this website. Please explain.
Kevin
Dave, good question...But there really is no "one size fits all" answer...Amish views about photography vary wildly, so the photos you see on this site vary by community, individual, sect, etc....I talk about this extensively at http://www.oasisnewsfeatures.com/amish-101/
Scroll down to the "photography lesson." I always factor in the various variables when deciding whether to take and post a photo or not - Kevin
Patty Keller
Hi Kevn...I was in Shipshe last weekend. It was a wonderful day and the flowers were beautiful.I think this time of year is my favorite although a lot of other people must of thought that to. The town was packed! I did miss the big farmers market tho. Darn!
Julia
i was in Shipshewana last weekend and saw on Amish farms that there were cars. Explain. Not just once. Also we saw a church gathering and there were cars there also. now i'm confused.
Paula
Julia, not all Amish are ultra-conservative, horse and buggy types. There are some Mennonites that look the same as you and I. It's just like there are different types of Catholics or Protestants or Jews. Some are more formal/conservative while others are very liberal/laid back in their interpretation of the rules.