(BCCL/ Samik Sen) (BCCL/ Samik Sen) In October, Noida Stadium added 10 new cycles to its stand to promote cycling among Noidawallahs. But ever since NCR's air quality nosedived, the cycles have been standing in the stand. And those still braving pollution wear masks while cycling, says Chandra Bhan, caretaker of the cycle stand at Noida Stadium. "A lot of people come here to cycle. Seeing the response, we had got new cycles, which increased our visitors further. The fitness conscious lot likes to cycle and so, we maintain them regularly. Par jab se pollution badha hai, the number of people has come down drastically. It is almost half now."Manish Pandey, a resident of Sector 12 and a regular visitor to Noida Stadium, says, "I have been coming to the stadium to cycle for the past one month. I am quite regular, but ever since the air quality of the city hit rock bottom, I took a break from cycling. I don't want to fall ill and tax my lungs in this toxic air. It will do more harm than good."Gunjan Ahuja, who comes to cycle to Noida Stadium from Sector 50, says, "Cycling is an activity that keeps you fit. Par is pollution mein cycling karne se toh aur beemar ho jayenge. But after waiting for a week, I decided to cycle anyway. So now, I put on a mask and cycle for a short duration."There are 30 cycles in the cycling stand at Noida Stadium - 24 for adults and 6 for kidsThe guards at the Noida Stadium say that the attendance has been low ever since air quality worsened in the city. One of the guards says, "Ever since smog enveloped the city, the attendance has been low. Jo bahut fitness conscious hain, bas wahi aate hain. But they also wear masks before exercising or cycling."Kids too have stopped coming to the stadium. Mukesh Sharma, whose kids are a regular at the stadium, says, "The pollution levels in Noida were quite severe till a few days ago. I have cut down on all outdoor activities of my kids as I don't want them to fall ill. For the past 10 days, my kids have been indoors in evenings. I came here today to see if things have gotten any better and if my kids can resume their cycling here."Mallika Kapoor, a 10-year-old and a regular at the stadium, says, "I love the cycling track in the stadium - one can cycle here peacefully. I really want to cycle, but my parents are not allowing me to since they are worried that I would fall ill. I am just waiting for the day when the pollution levels come down so that I can cycle on my favourite track."(BCCL/ Samik Sen)

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