Need to build cycling culture with infra in place

The race will be flagged off from New Delhi’s National War Memorial on February 5 and culminate 1,600 kilometres away at Sinhagad near Pune on February 19 to coincide with the birth anniversary of warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

Participation registrations for HindAyan, a multi-stage cycle race along the lines of the legendary Tour De France, began over the weekend. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde launched the website of the event at his official residence Varsha, last week.

The race will be flagged off from New Delhi’s National War Memorial on February 5 and culminate 1,600 kilometres away at Sinhagad near Pune on February 19 to coincide with the birth anniversary of warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

This has been done to give an opportunity to competitive cyclists. It is also to build a cycling culture, and certain small rides are planned in Mumbai too, during that time.

Also Read: Maharashtra CM launches registration website for 1600 km multi-stage cycle race HindAyan

While this is in Delhi and will be a competitive race, cycling culture needs to be built from the ground up in cities. Dedicated cycling lanes in Mumbai at least, seem laughable now, with all the construction work on. Maybe, they can be made and, most importantly, used only for cycling in other cities or small towns.

A cycling culture can develop when cyclists have space on our roads, when they can ride without danger and are accorded respect while other vehicles follow the rules. When a cycling culture is built, which can only happen with cycling infra, only then can we hope for athletes reaching some level in this sport.

Instead, we have velodromes being demolished, like it has happened in Worli in Mumbai and cycling tracks being used to park cars and ‘disappearing’ altogether. A multi-stage race, though ambitious, is only one part of a holistic effort needed to give birth, nurture and promote this culture.

Begin from the grassroots upwards, with a strong base and build up the cycling pyramid, so that we have champs at the top. A well thought out vision and implementation is key.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!