Pedaling around Delhi: The rise of weekend cycling
Cycling is more than just exercise – it reflects a healthy mindset or helps build one, say riders who joined Delhi By Cycle ’s 6am cycling tour across the surprisingly empty streets of Old Delhi recently. This wasn’t a one-off outing. On weekends, a mix of cycling enthusiasts, environment crusaders and city lovers – take their bikes out to explore the trails within the city, and sometimes go beyond.
‘Cycling clubs offer a platform for collective action in sustainability and fitness'
Cycling enthusiasts around the city meet, pedal, chat over chai on the weekends. “The cycling culture in the city has evolved. Ten years ago, we had to tell people about the benefits of cycling. Now, the benefits of cycling are known. Every week, around 20 to 25 people join us for morning rides. People across age groups, genders, and professions ride bikes together,” says Aman Puri from the Noida Cycling Club.
Some cycling enthusiasts give time to their hobby everyday. Ketan Garg from 7xCC, a seven-day riding community, says, “We have experienced riders and also those who are starting their cycling journey. Cyclists of all expertise are a part of the group. And a mix of tours cater to every rider.”
‘A safe cycling infra is a must’
Safety remains a key concern among cyclists. Dr Dhoya Snijders, Head of the Department of Innovation, Netherlands Embassy, who joined a cycling tour recently, says, “Delhi's urban areas are embracing cycling, and more cycle paths are being made and need to be built. A safe cycling infrastructure that can connect all the localities is a must.”
Abhishek Mishra, a triathlete based in Gurgaon, says, “To make recreational cycling more conducive, apart from safe infrastructure, other people need to use basic civic sense while driving cars, buses or bikes. Say, for instance, a driver must wait for a cyclist or a group of cyclists to pass rather than overtaking them at a turn. More cycling lanes are necessary, and even more importantly, safe lanes, with regulations from the authorities, are crucial.”
Cyclist Anamika Verma, who prefers cycling on the Sohna Road stretch, says, “My workouts include cycling with a group, and this routine brings me a lot of mental peace. It seems like the interest is growing, but every time an incident occurs, many people pull back, and the momentum drops.”
"I came for the tour once and wanted to keep waking up every weekend to join the group for cycling. Each time you get to meet new people. These conversations motivate you to pedal together every weekend. I get to know the city and the people, and myself, better," says Ishita, who regularly cycles with Delhi By Cycle.
‘Cycling clubs offer a platform for collective action in sustainability and fitness'
Cycling enthusiasts around the city meet, pedal, chat over chai on the weekends. “The cycling culture in the city has evolved. Ten years ago, we had to tell people about the benefits of cycling. Now, the benefits of cycling are known. Every week, around 20 to 25 people join us for morning rides. People across age groups, genders, and professions ride bikes together,” says Aman Puri from the Noida Cycling Club.
Some cycling enthusiasts give time to their hobby everyday. Ketan Garg from 7xCC, a seven-day riding community, says, “We have experienced riders and also those who are starting their cycling journey. Cyclists of all expertise are a part of the group. And a mix of tours cater to every rider.”
‘A safe cycling infra is a must’
Safety remains a key concern among cyclists. Dr Dhoya Snijders, Head of the Department of Innovation, Netherlands Embassy, who joined a cycling tour recently, says, “Delhi's urban areas are embracing cycling, and more cycle paths are being made and need to be built. A safe cycling infrastructure that can connect all the localities is a must.”
Abhishek Mishra, a triathlete based in Gurgaon, says, “To make recreational cycling more conducive, apart from safe infrastructure, other people need to use basic civic sense while driving cars, buses or bikes. Say, for instance, a driver must wait for a cyclist or a group of cyclists to pass rather than overtaking them at a turn. More cycling lanes are necessary, and even more importantly, safe lanes, with regulations from the authorities, are crucial.”
Cyclist Anamika Verma, who prefers cycling on the Sohna Road stretch, says, “My workouts include cycling with a group, and this routine brings me a lot of mental peace. It seems like the interest is growing, but every time an incident occurs, many people pull back, and the momentum drops.”
"I came for the tour once and wanted to keep waking up every weekend to join the group for cycling. Each time you get to meet new people. These conversations motivate you to pedal together every weekend. I get to know the city and the people, and myself, better," says Ishita, who regularly cycles with Delhi By Cycle.
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