Cyclists in the suburbs are now becoming an increasingly common sight. Read on to know why
Mumbai has become congested with way too many cars on the streets. While Delhi suffers the wrath of excessive auto mobile consumption, Mumbai still has scope to avoid such circumstances, thanks to its cyclists. The cycling community is indigenous and has spread its roots throughout the city.
Bandra, for instance, hosts one of the front runners of the cycling revolution, Faisal Thakur, Proprietor of Pro9 Bicycle Studio, known for its custom-made bicycles. But, Thakur and his crew do much more than just manufacturing bicycles. Whilst researching for this story, Thakur, whose passion is cycling was eager to provide inputs. Stressing on the fact that cycling is the best way to keep the excitement going, Bandra and a radius of 10 km around, are their usual haunts. “I have a Whatsapp group called 'Food Riders', which we use to keep tabs on cycling activities. We often go around places in search of new food outlets. Of late, Bade Miya in Colaba is our regular, late-night grub point,” says Thakur. Many of the cyclists expressed that besides cycling, they made friends on various excursions, who share similar passions.
For some, cycling is symbolic of everlasting freedom. “I used to cycle during my school days. I was lured to the sense of freedom in cycling, the much-sung about cool wind in my hair and the charm of riding while the sun comes up. To top it all, it’s real and not artificial, which is a plus point,” says advocate Vishwahit Sawant, who has been dedicated to cycling for the past eight years.
Saving our planet
Did you know that about 10–15 bicycles can be parked in the same space as one car? Thakur points out that a bicycle takes around five per cent of the materials and energy used to make a car and it produces zero pollution. Besides a bicycle’s efficiency, you travel three times faster compared to walking for the same amount of energy put in. Taking into account the fuel you put in your car, you do the equivalent of 1,244 km to litre. You also have your weight ratio to thank—you’re about six times heavier than your bicycle but a car is 20 times heavier than you.
FAMOUS TRAILS IN THE SUBURBS
1. An all-time favourite is the route to Versova jetty and taking the ferry to Madh Island, since it's biker-friendly.
2. Loops at Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) after turning for the sea link from Bandra junction.
FAMOUS TRAILS IN SOUTH MUMBAI
1. The loops of Hanging Garden and Malabar Hill are famous because the ride is full of climbs and downhills.
2. Nariman Point to the Siddhivinayak signal via Worli sea face is preferred due to less traffic.
IT’S HEALTHIER TO BIKE!
1. Fights illness
2. Boosts energy
3. Good for your skin
4. Helps tone the muscles
5. Builds stamina
6. Reduces stress
7. Good for bowel movement
8. Helps burn more fat
The health benefits that come with cycling are aplenty. With just a quick glance at the infographic, it is evident that cycling is not only a good form of exercise, it also has extra benefits, which in turn take care of overall health.
Join the gang
So the next time you see cyclists on the road, salute them. In fact, anyone and everyone can be a part of this fraternity. Feel free to log visit www.facebook.com/Pro9BicycleStudio or cyclists.in and join their Whatsapp group to know about their itinerary.
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 "Faisal Thakur and his friends enjoying the sport")
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