June 3 is a special day as the United Nations, this year, has declared it as World Cycling Day. This is an acknowledgement of the longevity and versatility of the bicycle, which has been in use for the past few centuries. This affordable mode of transport has time and again being praised for strengthening physical and mental health abilities.
The Hyderabad Bicycling Club (HBC), which has been a pioneer in promoting cycling through various monthly events like the mango ride, haleem ride and night ride, has always got a good number of cyclists who ditch their comfy cars for an airy ride across the city. HBC has a surprise in store for cycling enthusiasts.
A young rider
D.V. Manohar, Chairman of HBC, says, “We are organising a marathon cycling event in Delhi to celebrate the first World Bicycling Day. It will be flagged off by the Vice-President of India. We have been organising and promoting cycling for years now in Hyderabad but thought this year it would be better to celebrate the day in the capital.”
ajiv Trivedi, IPS, Principal Secretary, Home Department, Telangana.
Elaborating on the countless health benefits of cycling, Rajiv Trivedi, IPS, Principal Secretary, Home Department, Telangana, says, “I have been advocating cycling for many years. Being a fitness freak, I have taken up special initiatives to spread awareness about it. My long-distance cycle yatras would certainly encourage several people not only in the police community but also in the general public to take up cycling and keep themselves fit. The lack of proper roads is a cause of concern. But the urban landscape is slowly changing because of the government’s new road plans and more people are coming forward to take up cycling. Beyond all, it is the best form of transportation to promote an eco-friendly environment.”
Young mother Neha Quadri who cycles regularly with her son Maaz for short trips says, “We generally work really hard during weekdays and relax on weekends. Cycling can be a great way to de-stress. My friends and I go for cycle rides every weekend. I believe such early morning rides not only enable us to see nature at its best but also help us to stay fit.”
But sadly, roads in the city are not up to the mark feels Neha. “It would be really great if the government can take the initiative to create some specific tracks for cycling or at least make the roads less bumpy,” she says. Cycling enthusiast Anurag agrees with her. According to him, the city administration should create a separate cycling track similar to what Noida has.
“Cycling on a normal road in the city can be cumbersome. Firstly, the quality of the road is bad and then there is traffic. It would be nice if the left end of the road is left for cycling. At present, we have only one track in the city at the Bio-Diversity Park where people have to pay an entry fee, further decreasing the motivation for them to take up cycling. Government has to plan on these lines,” concludes Anurag.
