Community Connect: Chennai's cycling community pedals for a greener future!
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With World Cycling Day (June 3) just round the corner, we caught up with some of Chennai's passionate cycling groups to explore how they are reshaping the city's streets and spirit.
'Cycling is not just a hobby; it's becoming a career path'
Ramanujar Moulana, founder of Cycling Yogis and an avid cyclist since 2010, shares, 'In the early days, only a few people would go outfor a ride. But now, the cycling scene has become vibrant and widely embraced.
Many are taking it up as a passion, and a big reason for this shift is the rise of dedicated cycling communities in the city,' he shares. 'We cycle for various reasons, and now, a major focus is trail riding — exploring heritage, culture, and tradition.
We've even expanded to international cycling tours, exploring Indian heritage across the world. We've ridden in countries like Sri Lanka, Cambodia, and Malaysia. This September, we're heading to Bali, where we'll take our bicycles and explore places that share cultural connections with Tamil Nadu and Southeast Asia.'
'Chennai needs better and safe cycling infrastructure'
'While enthusiasm is growing, what the city's cycling community needs most is safe infrastructure,' opines Soumiya, a college student. 'Dedicated cycle lanes and smoother roads are no longer luxuries — they're necessities. The desire to cycle is already there among people; what's missing is the confidence that they can do it safely. In a city like Chennai, where two-wheelers dominate and road rules are blurred, cyclist protection must be a priority,' she states.
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'Our vision is to make Chennai the cycling capital of the world'
Divagaran, co-founder of Chennai Cyclists, one of the largest cycling groups in the city, shares, 'Chennai has a vibrant and active cycling community, with several groups across the city. Our group has over 1,500 active members spread across 16 chapters in different localities, where we conduct regular early morning rides.' He says, 'When you do something as a group, it motivates you more than doing it alone. Group rides also provide greater safety, especially during early morning on the road.
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He adds, 'Our vision is to make Chennai the cycling capital of the world. We want to encourage people to use bicycles for connectivity. To support this, we've launched an initiative called 'Commute Bicycle.''
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