World Bicycle Day: Mandaviya urges youth to embrace cycling as events held across India
New Delhi, June 3
Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Wednesday urged young people to make cycling a part of their daily lives, saying the habit promotes health, fitness and environmental sustainability, as World Bicycle Day was marked with cyclothons and awareness events across the country.
In a post on X, Mandaviya made a special appeal to the youth, encouraging them to adopt cycling beyond a one-day celebration.
In a video message, he said, "Cycling is not just an exercise for a day or a hobby; it reflects a healthy lifestyle. It helps keep us healthy and ensures both our mental and physical well-being. Cycling is also a sustainable option that supports environmental conservation. By adopting cycling as a habit, we can contribute to fuel conservation, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call to save fuel."
In Gujarat's Rajkot, the Rajkot Cycle Club (RCC) organised a cycling event to promote fitness, healthy living and environmental awareness.
One participant shared how cycling helped him overcome personal challenges. "I have been cycling for the past seven years. I started cycling during a difficult period when I was struggling with depression after my father's passing. I was deeply affected by the trauma, but then I met a group of cycling friends..." he said.
Another cyclist highlighted the benefits of cycling in daily life. "I have been cycling for the past 15 years... I keep my bicycle at my office and use it for short trips and small errands instead of a car..." he said.
In Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah flagged off a cyclothon to mark the occasion.
J&K Sports Minister Satish Sharma said, "We have seen the last 30 years; no enemy would have seen what we have seen. We have faced many difficulties and a lot of hardships. One of the biggest issues that has emerged is drugs. Keeping this theme in mind, on World Bicycle Day, we have highlighted these challenges..."
Nasir Aslam, Advisor to the J&K Chief Minister, said, "This is a very good initiative. We are trying to promote sports activities and such events in Jammu and Kashmir. As you have seen, earlier a golf event was organised; before that we held a marathon, and now we are organising this cyclothon... This also helps in promoting tourism..."
Meanwhile, BYCS organised a World Bicycle Day event in Delhi's Hauz Khas area, bringing together cycling advocates, health experts and enthusiasts.
BYCS India Foundation CEO, Bhairavi Joshi, said, "More than 55 cities are connected with us through Bicycle Mayors who are working for cycling advocacy..."
Jagdish Rajesh, Deputy Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research, said, "This Bicycle Day is a good initiative, and we have all gathered here for it...."
Bicycle Mayor Dilip Sabharwal added, "Today is World Bicycle Day. It is celebrated across the globe, and today we are celebrating it here in Delhi..."
The events highlighted cycling's role in promoting physical fitness, mental well-being, sustainable mobility and environmental conservation, with participants and organisers alike calling for greater adoption of bicycles in everyday life.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Commendable that J&K is using this to address drug abuse—that's a real crisis. But let's be honest, a cyclothon once a year won't change much. We need consistent policy, like subsidised bicycles for students and mandatory cycle tracks in new housing societies. The sentiment is good; execution matters more. 🌿
As a foreigner living in Bangalore, I love seeing World Bicycle Day celebrated here! The air quality improvement alone is worth it. But I agree with others—infrastructure needs to catch up. I tried cycling to work once and nearly got hit thrice. Kudos to all the local cycle clubs making it happen despite the odds.
That story about the man overcoming depression through cycling really touched my heart. Mental health is still such a taboo in our society. If a simple bicycle can help, imagine what a proper support system could do. We need more such community-driven initiatives, not just government events. 🙏
Honest question: How many ministers actually cycle to work? Mandaviya ji's words are nice, but I wish they'd walk the talk. Also, our cities are designed for cars, not cycles. In Delhi, even the so-called cycle tracks are full of parked scooters. We need real urban planning, not just photo ops on Bicycle Day. 🚲
This is a fantastic initiative! In the US, cycling advocacy has grown massively, but India has more potential given the population density. The Bicycle Mayor concept is brilliant—local leadership makes all the difference. Hope to see more inter-city rides and maybe even a national cycling policy
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