One would think that the bikes would be stolen from rich vehicles like Mercedes, Audi, BMW, Dodge. But even today, people feel the simplicity of cycling in the face of pompous wealth. The demand for this specialty has grown significantly as a result of recent corporate scandals. China, Japan, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Holland are the developed countries of the world and are known as the cycling countries. This is the glory of cycling in every way. Let us find out today how this cycle culture can be a panacea for many problems in a metropolis like Mumbai.

The bicycle is not just a vehicle, it is an idea. It should be noted that there is an advanced concept that deals with human life. We all know that the bicycle successfully carries the responsibility of meeting basic human needs. But the bicycle goes beyond utility and engulfs man; It gives him-her pleasure. A simple bicycle has the power to provide a beautiful experience like ‘Bolavato Sosatyacha Vara Mala Raspana’. Only a bike can take an oath to be honest with nature, not a fancy lambogni.
There has been a lot of study of bicycle culture around the world in the last twenty-five years. It is about creating a comprehensive sociocultural document of cycling. According to many experts, Mumbai can thrive as a cycling city. In the last two years, an innovative campaign has been launched to set aside five hours for cycling on Sunday mornings in suburban Mumbai. And seeing that it’s getting a great response from the citizens, a shiny Impala can break a sweat from time to time.

According to world statistics, there was not much difference between the production of bicycles and four-wheelers (cars) in the 1960s. In the last forty years, however, the picture has changed. Currently the production ratio of bicycles and quadricycles is 3:1. Since the United States is a rich country, bicycle production is declining there, but Europe has maintained its friendship with bicycles. Bicycles are in high demand in Asia, according to the latest figures. In China alone, four million bicycles are manufactured each year.

The bicycle industry in India has also had good days. Although simple vintage bicycles are not in great demand, the popularity of sophisticated, equipped bicycles continues to grow. Notable companies in India like Hero, Atlas, TI Cycles have signed distribution deals with foreign bike companies. In recent years, young university students and IT-IIT and middle-aged citizens in their forties have fallen in love with cycle tourism. People are attracted to bicycles because they enjoy cycling in the beautiful or remote parts of the country such as Leh-Ladakh, Assam-Agartala or Kullu-Manali. Special bikes are made for traveling in mountainous or rocky areas. Such a cycle fulfills the desire to discover nature and the country. Every year, cycling enthusiasts embark on a journey through remote or mountainous regions with great enthusiasm. It is a source of satisfaction that the enjoyment of bicycle tourism in these congregations is increasing day by day.

Experts say that the reason for such a detailed discussion of the development of cycling around the world is that bicycles can easily solve Mumbai’s two problems: Mumbai’s complex transportation system, overcrowding and increased pollution. There is really no reason to take an autorickshaw for such a short distance from home to a station or a vegetable market. Enough if there is a bicycle in the house. Even today, many schoolchildren in Mumbai ride bicycles to school. The sight of ten to twelve schoolchildren riding their bikes to school down the road is soothing. If the adults of Mumbai imitate the children in this regard, the problems of pollution and traffic jams will end automatically. But when will this happen?

For this it is necessary to inculcate and cultivate the bicycle culture in a metropolis like Mumbai. It is important to note that the municipal administration and the government must provide the basic facilities for cyclists. But for that, there should be a huge increase in the number of cycles and cycles. In that case, the corporation can also provide bicycles in its annual budget. Second, four-wheelers are used on major roads and highways, but within the city, the emphasis should be on using bicycles to get from one street to another, or from one town to another when it comes to of suburbs. Only then will cycling help nurture and flourish. Third, public events related to cycling should be implemented. Bicycle rallies or bicycle dissemination activities must be carried out on a large scale.

Due to the recent severe drought, people have realized the importance of water; Water literacy is increasing in society. The cycle is the simple answer to all these problems like pollution, severe fuel shortage and cost, huge cost of road construction and repair. For this, it is necessary to inculcate cycling literacy in society. In Mumbai, people are quick to pick up on the promise of profit. Bicycles also have many benefits. The most important of them is human health. Riding a bike for at least an hour every day helps burn around 600 calories.

‘This cycle is a big problem!’

– Vivek Surve

(The original article was published a few years ago under the title ‘Gadya, Aapli Saikal Bari..!’. It has been republished today on the occasion of World Cycle Day)