Last Sunday, when the Maharashtra government had announced Mission Begin Again to lift the lockdown in phases, the order stated, "People are actively encouraged to adopt cycling as a form of physical exercise as it automatically ensures social distancing." Even if we start stepping out again, the virus isn't going anywhere. And so, our means of commute — especially for essential purposes such as going to work — will have to accommodate the need of the hour: physical distancing. While following this norm on trains, Metro or buses might be a task, cycling is emerging as a plausible solution in Mumbai.

Turn in attitude
There have been reports of a demand boost for cycles in countries such as the United Kingdom and Germany. In Mumbai, too, people have warmed up to the idea, especially in the past 50 days, feels Bicycle Mayor Firoza Suresh. "There has been a behavioural change during the lockdown. People have taken to cycling to run errands and have realised that it's not just environment-friendly and a great way to stay fit, but also takes care of social distancing," explains Suresh, who runs the Smart Commute Foundation. Both Suresh and Gautam Kirtane, an urban consultant who has biked to work for years, tell us that historically, Mumbai has been a cycling city, pointing to postmen, dabbawalas and now, delivery personnel. "Somehow, cars and bikes became the symbol of wealth over time, and we shifted to it," says Kirtane, reminiscing how around 20 years ago, children could rent cycles for R2 and pedal on them to neighbourhood maidans. Transport expert Ashok Datar says the time is ripe to shift to bicycles, especially for those dependent on public transport for short distances, as social distancing cannot be maintained in autorickshaws or trains.