Cycling groups gain mileage

Mumbai: Cycling as a culture is on the rise in the city with cyclists even going for night and early morning cycling.

There are various groups and even individuals who cycle to work along with many having formed groups encouraging people to take to biking.

These groups who invite like-minded individuals, cycle during the midnight or early morning, as the roads are relatively empty.

Cycling enthusiasts claim that the culture of cycling is not fading despite the fact that in the post-globalisation era everyone has been racing against time and habitually using his or her swanky vehicle or motorbike.

Yagnesh Vora, (22) a photographer residing in Dadar, said, “The culture of cycling has been on a rise in the recent years in the city. People from all ages are taking up cycling. Though there are no dedicated lanes in the city for cyclists, that doesn’t stop people from cycling on the roads.”

There are enthusiasts in the city who have been cycling for years now and are dedicated to the sport.

There are various cycling groups based out of different places in Mumbai such as Bandra Cycling Club, Powai Cycling Group, etc. These groups cycle in the morning, covering a distance of approximately 50 kilometres in less than two hours.

“People (can) ride further but due to our busy schedules they have to limit themselves,” said Mr Vora, adding that he himself cycles at night.

Senior Indian Police Service officer Harish Baijal said he used to cycle to his Food and Drug Administration office at Bandra from his residence in Dadar.

“I would love to cycle everyday but I cycled on those days when there were fewer visits for the day or the days when I did not have many meetings. I do my bit for the environment and myself. Later it is up to the people on how they take it,” he said.

However, Mr Baijal said he is now transferred now out of the city and will have to see how feasible it would be to cycle to his new posting.

Zain Ali Ebrahim, (24) another cycling enthusiast and media professional, said, “I feel in these past few years cycling has actually come to life. From its usual use of getting from point A to B, I see a lot of people cycling as an alternative activity in the busy schedule everybody lives.”

Claiming that the failed attempts of constructing and encouraging the use of cycling tracks is not only failure of the administration but also that of cyclists, Mr Ebrahim said, “I see the city trying to get in cycling tracks but it never worked out because it’s not just about the thought or idea of it. Maintaining it after its inauguration is a must, if not by the administration then by cycle enthusiasts forming a group for these facilities.”