The budding managers of B-school XLRI have virtually turned their campus into a “no-vehicle zone”. Joining the bandwagon of fitness freaks, the students have started pedalling to their classrooms.
Under the banner of SIGMA (Social Initiative Group for Managerial Assistance) a committee at XLRI, students have launched a Campus Cycle Project. Started with a pilot run of 36 cycles to commute between the old and the new campus, the team has now 76 active members.
An official of SIGMA said that the initiative is a small step towards promoting fitness among students and also a greener future, with an aim to reduce the time and effort of students to move between the three campuses.
“We started with 36 cycles but its popularity has increased and now we have 76 cycles. We have also hired a full time person to maintain cycles,” informed the official. He added that a lot of students are using cycle to commute inside the campus.
He went on to add that the committee undertakes socially relevant projects on a regular basis. Most of these projects are handed down to the subsequent batches, and thus, become part of students' activities. Niharika Singh a student of Jamshedpur Women’s College said that the city's youngsters are keen to pursue cycling as a hobby. But there is also a need to construct a dedicated cycle tracks and pedestrian footpaths along key transport corridors.
“Cities like Gurugram have a cycle track. I think the administration here should also take steps come up with such novel projects to boost the concept of cycling,” she opined.
Even the bicycle sellers are minting money with the new craze. Arun Chawla, a Sakchi-based seller said: “Cycling is the new cool in the social circles. With high-end bikes available off the shelf, a lot of working professionals are incorporating biking into their lifestyle”.
If you are of those looking forward to peddle for fitness, so what are you waiting for? It's time to strap on a helmet, leap into the saddle and move ahead.
Another student of XLRI said that riding a bicycle strengthens mainly the leg muscles but also has beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system. It is the best form of fitness. Cycling not only helps maintain fitness but is a great way to experience nature.