Bicycle enthusiasts to burn tyres for a cause

The city’s cyclists are all set to assert their rights over Mumbai roads on November 28. Hundreds of enthusiasts will ride their two-wheeled, man-powered vehicles from Shivaji Park to Juhu as part of the Critical Mass Movement, a worldwide event held to promote cycling.

After the success of the event in Delhi, where over 200 participants promoted the alternate mode of transport, cycle activists Anoop Rajan and OJ Nelson decided to spread the word in Mumbai as well. “We have posted alerts on almost every social networking website as we want to make sure there is maximum participation,” said Rajan.

The route, which covers a distance of 10 km, will start from Shivaji Park at 5.30 pm and cross major landmarks like Mahim Church, Bandra Bandstand, Carter Road before finally terminating at Juhu beach.

Gym trainer Pranati Wagh is excited about the event. She has been promoting the bicycle by using it to travel from Sewri to Mahim every day. “Traffic is a problem but I can create my own path with a cycle,” she said, adding that she would be present at the event.

For many the movement is a chance to prove that cycles are no less than a car or a motorbike. “Why can’t we have leaders like Barack Obama and Nicholas Sarkozy who freely ride their cycles on the road?” asked Nitin Patnaik. The 16-year-old international movement, which was initiated in San Francisco, is observed on the last Friday of every month.