To mark World Bicycle Day, Ranchi's Bicycle Mayor, Kanishka Poddar, in collaboration with FIT India organised a cycling event on June 1 in which more than 100 cyclists participated in rides along the Kanke Road to Pithoria Chowk route with the primary aim of increasing cyclist visibility and advocating for improved cycling infrastructure in the City.
Cyclists could either cycle on the route individually between 5 am and 8:30 am or participate in a collective group ride which started at 6 am from Premson Chowk, Kanke Road. The group ride saw enthusiastic participation from over 30 cyclists, pedaling to Pithoria Chowk and back and covered a distance of over 40 kms.
Cyclists carried placards displaying messages to inspire wider adoption of cycling for daily commutes and also highlighting its numerous health and environmental benefits. The placards also posed direct questions to the government urging investment in cycling infrastructure, drafting of cyclist- friendly policies and emphasised on cycling to combat climate change.
“This World Bicycle Day, our mission is to inspire each of us to encourage one more person among our friends and family to embrace regular cycling. By growing our community, we can collectively urge the government to implement policies conducive to cyclists,” said Poddar.
Poddar also highlighted FIT India’s movement ‘Sunday Cycling’ to encourage local participation and expressed gratitude to Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya for championing this initiative nationwide to foster a healthier India.
Poddar urged the State government to prioritise the development of cycling- friendly infrastructure and to promote bicycle use through campaigns such as #NoCarShanivar, creation of dedicated bicycle parking stations at all government buildings, shopping malls and places of public interest as well as restriction of motor vehicles on Dhurwa Dam Road to promote safe recreational cycling.
The Bicycle Mayor further stated the implementation of pop- up cycling tracks across the City, educational campaigns for motor vehicle drivers on respecting and safely sharing the road with cyclists and development of a dedicated bicycle track in Morabadi. In order to encourage cycling, suggestions for promoting cycle- to- work culture among PSUs and large corporations were also made.
A participant at the event named Chandrashekhar Kinger shared, “Cycling is a simple, affordable and environment- friendly commute that can be adopted by every citizen. On this day, let’s join hands to pedal for a future that is free from pollution and congestion.”
International cyclist Gautam Kumar also presented, “This event not only celebrates World Bicycle Day but also aims to inspire the citizens of Ranchi to integrate cycling into their daily lives for commuting and to enhance their physical and mental well-being.”
Other participants included Ankur Chowdhary, Shivansh Jaiswal, Satwant Bagga, cyclist Danish Zama and popular YouTuber Manoj Kumar Bakhla.
The Bicycle Mayor of Ranchi is a part of a global initiative by BYCS Amsterdam, which aims to accelerate cycling progress in cities worldwide. The program has helped bring the cyclists in the City together, organise events for riders and also advocate before the government to adopt cycling friendly initiatives.