Even though most Indian cities are not bicycle-friendly, there has been a sharp increase in recreational cycling during the pandemic as people try to beat cabin fever during lockdowns, exercise, and avoid commuting on overburdened public transport.
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While the Coronavirus pandemic continues to spread, people across the globe took to cycling as it constitutes as Covid appropriate behaviour. This increase in cycling’s popularity has been visible across India as more cyclists are seen on the roads than before. Even as per a recent report by CRISIL the Indian Bicycle Industry is on a decadal high of 20%.
Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India even quoted in its advisory that the pandemic has presented an opportunity to make cities more accessible to pedestrians and cyclists. It went further ahead and launched two challenges — Cycle for Change and Streets for People to make our cities more cycling and pedestrian-friendly.
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Even during the first wave of CoVID-19 spread in 2020, cycling turned out to be one of the best modes to commute and for fitness. The World Health Organization recommends the use of bicycles to commute as it ensures social distancing and helps us keep the coronavirus at bay. The WHO report states:
- Better bicycle accessibility can support economic recovery after COVID-19.
- Bicycling can improve public health and quality of life.
- Cycling helps in staying mentally strong and improves the immune systems of individuals.
- Bicycling infrastructure can help cities become more resilient to future shocks.
- Cycling allows social distancing against public transports.
In order to understand the impact of cycling on coronavirus, I conducted a survey, as the Bicycle Mayor of Ranchi, India. 367 people participated in the survey. In the survey, varied questions relating to the subject were put to the participants and the result has been very insightful.
Sample Age
Interestingly only 6.3% of people under the age of 18 are currently involved in cycling activities. The majority of people involved in cycling activities are above the age of 25 who are either cycling for recreational/fitness purposes or to commute.
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