Paddling home is a new trend in high-tech city
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48-year-old Dasarathi, co-founder of Cadem Technologies, cycles 30 kms everyday from his home in Sadashivnagar to his office at Jayanagar. He has been doing this regularly for eight years now. A self-confessed cycling addict, Dasarathi went back to cycling at the age of 40 because he did not want to add to the increasing traffic problems in the city. By cycling, Dasarathi saves roughly Rs 500 each week on petrol, saves one-and-a- half-hours of time he would otherwise have spent in gym.
"I hated doing repetitive indoor exercises. Cycling is a good form of exercise, and the best part is that I get to combine my commute with my workout", he says.
Do not be surprised, as oil prices are soaring across the globe, more and more people in Bangalore are turning to their bicycles, calling it an ideal mode of transport in Bangalore's tariff-clogged roads.
There are many factors contributing to this latest trend. Topping the list, however, is steep hike in fuel prices, adding to it is traffic jams. Today cyclists are in small but they are well-off Bangaloreans.
Another cycling loyalist is Wipro employee Sejal Parikh. Sejal has been cycling to work for about four months. After reading about global warming, she left her personal vehicle and opted for bus. Since her office was only 3.5 kms from her house, her husband, who cycles to work himself, suggested Sejal that she start doing the same. "Initially it took time for me to transform myself and get used to cycling. It was hard for me since I was not used to such physical activity. I even wanted to give up cycling and go back to travelling by bus, but my husband persuaded me and so I persevered", says Sejal. After some initial hiccups, cycling to work became a vital part of Sejal's daily routine.
The benefits of cycling are many. Firstly, it works wonders for your health. It is a full body workout and this is the reason why all gyms have stationary cycles in addition to all their other fancy equipments. With rising fuel prices, foregoing your vehicles will definitely ease the burden on your monthly expenses. Moreover, this is one of the most environmentally friendly ways to commute.
"I don't have to waste time waiting for a bus, I just breeze through the traffic", she added. When she first took her cycle to work she was slightly apprehensive about the reaction of her co-workers, but she soon managed to inspire two of her colleagues to start cycling to work like her. This new trend is slowly picking up speed in the city. Groups such as Bangalore Bikers and Go-Cycle are doing their bit to promote cycling.
"When they drove their cars they realised that travelling by cycle was much easier, and this is how people become cycle loyalists", says Krishnamurthy from Go-Cycle.
Cycles are not a rarity on Bangalore roads. Many people use cycles because they cannot afford other modes of transport. What is new is the number of well-to-do professionals that are trading in their fancy cars for humble cycles. Many people have a mind block about going back to cycling, thinking that it is extremely physically exerting. Those that have gone back to the basics with their cycles are surprised at this attitude. Returning to cycling after a gap of many years is not as hard as you may assume it to be. As Krishnamurthy put it, "It's all about getting back to the habit".
Dhwani Desai |
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