On August 15, 200 cyclists from across Mumbai will crisscross the city, to demand their rights in an eco-friendly, practical way
On August 15, 200 cyclists from across Mumbai will crisscross the city, to demand their rights in an eco-friendly, practical way
"In Copenhagen and Amsterdam, cyclists have separate parking lots and cycling bays that run parallel to main roads.
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In Mumbai, if you are cycling down a highway, it's almost become a sport for motorists to try and kill the cyclist," vents avid cyclist Shammi Sethi.
This was what prompted the Khar resident to create a common platform for his ilk.
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| Shammi, Tej, Kavita, Feroza, Johan and Vikrant at Carter Road, Bandra. |
This Sunday, at 9.30 am, Sethi will meet up with fellow cyclists at Prabhadevi (behind Siddhi Vinayak Temple) and peddle their way to Bandra.
While this route will cover the main trail, five more routes will bring in hundreds of cyclists from Mira Road, Borivali, South Mumbai, Vashi and Thane.
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There are 39 meeting points in total; averaging to about eight per route and participants have the option to ride to and from any of these points.
"If you think Malad to Bandra is too much, you can join in at Malad and ride with us to Andheri or Vile Parle and return home." You can also choose to cycle to Prabhadevi and tag along with them to Bandra.
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The Independence Ride is open to cyclists of all ages. "In a city like Mumbai, where the traffic is congested and further choked by high pollution levels, cycling short distances will ease a lot of problems.
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This activity also has immense health benefits," stresses Sethi.
A few months ago, the 41 year-old real estate consultant started the Everyday Cycle Ride at Bandra's Carter Road, with 40 individuals cycling from 9.30 pm to 10.30 pm, every day. Giving him company in his efforts is Anil Uchil, coordinator for the Mulund to Prabhadevi Route.
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In fact, he began a campaign to support cycling to work on a daily basis. Others enthusiasts include avid long distance cyclists Feroza Suresh, Johan Daniels and Manish Gardia who has began a cycling campaign to save Aarey Colony, by planting 700 trees.
But it is 10 year-old Kaveri Vikrant Pimpley who leads the pack. She managed to drag her entire family away from their holiday to Goa, so she could participate in this ride.
The Independence Ride isn't a race.
It's about a show of hands, for a noble, practical cause. "All of us are pursuing this hobby in tiny groups or as individuals. This is our chance to come together and announce, we are here too," says Sethi.
If we had proper amenities like parking lots and riding bays for cyclists, it wouldn't take you two hours to get to work every day. "It's about riding for a better tomorrow," Sethi signs off.
To Join Log On To:
https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=138216419536433&ref=ts
