As the urban commute becomes a mess in many of our cities, owing to massive traffic snarls, rising fuel costs and pollution levels, more and more Bengalureans are taking to cycling. Bengaluru is fast becoming a metropolis with a growing number of cyclists and cycling groups. While some cycle to work and back to beat the regular commute, some have taken it up as a career option. Debjyothi Mandhatha, a science major had decided to take a year off before pursuing his PhD. Initially, cycling to lose some weight, he got hooked on to it and ended up working with Bums On The Saddle, a company that aims at redefining the cycling experience in India. Mandhatha says that all the employees of BOTS cycle to work. He points out, “It is faster than the other modes of transport. It takes me only 35 minutes to cycle to work, while it would take close to an hour or more by car or motorbike. Cutting down on commute time also resulted in deputy environment officer Kiran GR take to cycling. He explains. “I used to travel from Jalahalli to MG Road every day and it took me 50 minutes to cover the 12-kilometre distance on my motorbike. I cycle now and it takes me only about half an hour. I also enjoy the easy exercise option cycling offers.” However, many cyclists bemoan the lack of cycling lanes in the city. Lokesh Jain, a specialist at Target, also pedals to work and uses the cycling lanes on Residency Road and St. Marks road regularly. He says, “We must make the best use of what we have instead of blaming the government. Once we begin to use what is provided, then we can ask for more cycling lanes.” For keen cyclists, a google group, Bangalore Bikers Club offers a platform to discuss upcoming events, challenges and conducive cycling trails as well as other cycling-related information. Pushpanjali Gautam, a former engineer in the Army and currently employed at the SBI takes cycling seriously. She has been cycling for four years and was introduced to long-distance cycling at the Great Malnad Challenge in 2015. “I cycle on the weekends and ride on the route to Nandi hills and the Bidadi-Magadi trail. I hope more women take up cycling too.”

Stay updated with all the Bangalore Latest News headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.