Hyderabad: On World Bicycle Day, members of the Hyderabad cycling community have called on the State government to develop a comprehensive biking network across the city to promote sustainable transportation. The Hyderabad Cycling Revolution (HCR) marked the occasion with an event at the KMV Projects Office along the Outer Ring Road (ORR) Cycling Track, which saw participation from around 300 cyclists and featured Gareth Wynn Owen, the British Deputy High Commissioner to Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
The event encouraged contributions in various artistic forms, including drawings, paintings, sketches, graphic design posters, and photographs, showcasing the community’s creative engagement with the cause.
Santhana Selvan, Bicycle Mayor of Hyderabad, emphasized the broader goals of the celebration, stating, “World Bicycle Day 2024 is more than just a celebration. We aim to create a safer, healthier, and more sustainable urban environment for future generations. Through this event, we have requested the State government to collaborate with our community to facilitate active mobility in the city. This includes developing a comprehensive bicycling network, ensuring well-connected footpaths for easy pedestrian access to public transportation, and investing in public transportation infrastructure.”
Selvan pointed out that while there is a cycling track, it is not well connected. “So far, 23 km of cycling track has been laid, but it is on the outskirts of Hyderabad. In the city, the track is not well connected and is often misused. A properly connected cycling track is essential for it to be useful. It would be better if the concerned departments of the State government developed a well-connected cycling track within the city,” he added.
Ravi Sambari, a core member of HCR, highlighted the growing adoption of bicycles for daily commuting. “Slowly, people are adopting bicycles for daily commuting. With a comprehensive network, even more individuals can embrace cycling as a mode of transport. There should be greater accountability for first- and last-mile connectivity. To achieve this, the State government should motivate the public along the lines of active mobility,” Sambari said.
The call for a citywide biking network underscores the cyclists’ commitment to sustainable urban development and the need for infrastructural improvements to support a greener, healthier Hyderabad.