There are now plenty of takers for this eco-friendly, healthy, and enjoyable ride

Time was when a cycle was considered an elegant mode of transport. You were considered prosperous if you possessed one. It even figured in dowry demands! Over the years, however, the cycle gave way to a whole lot of faster and flashier motorized vehicles. Only kids and people of modest means rode cycles. But now it seems, the wheel has turned full circle. People from all walks of life, from all strata of society, and all age groups, have rediscovered the humble bicycle. Software engineers, executives, doctors, artists, businessmen, housewives - are all pedaling around and having the time of their lives. A lot of hip young college students too, have parked their zippy bikes, and are opting for this simple mode of transport.

Most people have 'switched lanes' for health purposes or to do their mite for the environment. And now, they say, it has opened up for them a whole new vista of self-discovery and the sheer pleasure of cruising down the streets in slow-mo. Vinita Tatke is one such person. A consultant with Green Earth, she took up cycling on doctor's orders. Seven years ago, she had undergone surgery and was advised not to kick-start a bike. The natural choice was the bicycle. She now cycles to work three kilometers away and also uses it to run errands.

For IT businessman Jayant Luthra too, health problems showed him the path to cycling. Three years ago, he discovered he had high blood pressure and was advised regular, vigorous exercise. He opted for what he had always enjoyed as a kid - cycling. He is all enthusiasm as he says, "As a child, my idea of having a blast was to race up a little hill behind our house. Once I reached there I would come tearing down. Even nasty falls and bruises and stitches did not deter me." Today, Luthra can be spotted on his purple chariot riding about on his errands around his home in Viman Nagar.

Media professional Preeta Arora was at one time hooked to her chauffer-driven car. One fine day, when she needed to rush to the store, she hopped on to the cycle that had been bought for the maid…and found freedom: from pollution, noise and most important, tanking up the car all the time. Now she has motivated a team of other young mothers who cycle for exercise in the mornings. Preeta often rides with daughter Rhea perched on the cycle carrier and for mother-daughter this is prime bonding time.

When Divya Thatte, an avid cyclist, relocated to Pune from Mumbai, she took up cycling as a pollution-free mode of travel. For any errands in a 12-kilometre radius, she sails off on her cycle. She adds an interesting fact; "I've calculated that you don't take more than 15-20% more time than in a car. I can clear traffic signals quicker, it's easier to find parking." Thatte even took off on a cycle tour to Ratnagiri all by herself, covering a hugely enjoyable 100 km every day.

Even trendy youngsters have shaken off their bondage to mechanized horsepower. Second year student Varun Venkit prefers to go to college on a cycle and it takes him 15 minutes as compared to a car ride, which takes 25 minutes. Pradnya Shidore, also a second year student, prefers this mode of transport too.

Luthra and Arora say that they drew a few stares earlier, but now more people are joining in. What motivates them is the fact that they are doing their bit for the environment. And, as Pradnya comments, "It's becoming a style statement now."

Of course, cyclists in the city not only need more encouragement, but given our unruly traffic, they need more protection. Luthra deplores the particularly rash driving of call-centre cabs. He's also critical of parents who allow underage kids to use scooters and cars.

Bhushan Bhagwat has been cycling regularly since October 2004. He took it up initially as an eco-friendly activity. Now he also cycles simply because he enjoys it. However, he is quite appalled at the way things have changed for the cyclist. "Back in 1983-89, I would roam all round the city on my cycle. They had cycle stands in many public places. Today it's a rare sight; and two-wheeler parking implicitly rules out bicycles from its definition of a two-wheeler! When you attempt to park your bicycle in the pay-n-park rows along M.G. Road, you are curtly asked to remove your cycle. And at the Railway Station parking lot, the guy demands Rs.5 as against the Rs.3 for a scooter or a motorbike!"

However, all these cycling enthusiasts agree that they experience the city at a pace, which is very enjoyable. On top of it, traffic jams; petrol prices, and licence 'chakkars' are simply not an issue for them. Yes, the heat and bigger vehicles do bear down on you. But, with new moves such as specially designated cycling lanes on some city roads, geared cycles, and the introduction of the futuristic battery-operated E-bicycle, the ranks of dedicated cyclists are sure to swell.

Mita Banerjee