On World Bicycle Day, Chennai cyclists share stories, struggles and triumphs

CHENNAI: A bicycle brings in such a vivid touch of the past. They were our childhood freedom stagecoach. Those blithe summer afternoons pedaling to grandma’s house was a fortress full of memories. The weightless glee of delicately balancing grocery bags of milk bottles on the handlebars after our mother’s urgent errand, the wind whipping through our hair as we indulge in an impromptu neighbourhood race with friends... Bicycles were our first taste of responsibility and an endless odyssey.

Today, as we try navigating through ram-packed streets with our cars, let us halt our accelerator to celebrate the evolving biking community in Chennai.

Biking power

Actor-athlete Arya has been the face of cycling by representing India in major cycling tournaments across the globe. Be it the thrill of a long distance ride, or a runaway victory at the Ironman Triathlon, Arya’s insights paint a vivid picture of cycling as a way of life.

But he certainly doesn’t mince words when it comes to the costs involved. “Cycling certainly demands a steeper investment. A basic road bike starts at Rs 10,000–15,000, while a hybrid model costs around Rs 8,000. High-end bikes like Scott or Cervelo can set you back by Rs 5–6 lakhs.”

Yet, he emphasises that while premium gear offers marginal performance gains, a budget bike works just fine for fitness. “The calories you burn remain the same. It’s about comfort and passion, not just speed.”

For Arya, the choice is clear. “I’d buy an expensive cycle rather than a pricey car. Biking is definitely a low-impact, high-reward workout to strengthen legs, core, and shoulders without straining joints.”

Reflecting on Chennai’s cycling evolution, he recalls the 2017 London-Edinburgh-London (LEL) ride, a gruelling 1,500 km challenge where very few Indians participated. By 2022, the scene had transformed. “So many cyclists from Chennai finished within time. Awareness, training, and coaching have grown leaps and bounds.” Despite Chennai’s flat terrain, the city has produced top-tier cyclists with events like the Tamil Nadu Cycling League.

Now who is training for the Ironman triathlon in August, Arya’s excitement is palpable as he awaits his new triathlon bike. “It’s my gift to myself this World Bicycle Day.”

Wheeling through Madras

For Ramanujar Moulana, founder of Cycling Yogis, bicycles are a means to rediscovering Chennai’s rich heritage.

A historian by training, he has pioneered bicycle tourism by organising rides to historical sites, partnering with Tamil Nadu’s Tourism Development Corporation. “Why see Chennai through car windows when you can feel its stories on a cycle? In fact, it is the kids who are the driving force of change. If they cycle beyond school commutes, explore their neighbourhoods, the next generation will pedal smarter.”

Between freedom and fear

At 45, Priya Darshini, a teacher, mother, and core committee member of Chennai Cyclists defies the ‘real’ status symbol by riding a bicycle to work. “It means you’re healthy and fearless.”

City’s cycling landscape has deteriorated sharply. Thanks to the infrastructure. “Pre-metro, OMR was a smooth 25-km runway. Now, with dug-up service lanes and diverted traffic, leisure cyclists have dwindled.” Accidents have surged, forcing many to quit. “Only those with access to ECR roads still ride regularly.”

While Priya calls Chennai “relatively safe” for women cyclists, her experiences reveal a darker truth. “Every woman I know has faced groping, catcalls, and bikes intentionally swerving too close. Many carry pepper spray, though in the moment, panic paralyses you.” Despite challenges, she sees hope in Chennai’s burgeoning cycling networks. “Micro-communities – apartment groups and neighbourhood clubs are popping up everywhere.”

Priya applauds initiatives like Fit India, but urges deeper action. “Cycling can’t be a one-day hashtag. We need policy shifts – dedicated lanes, road repairs, and cycling as a default transport option.”

Pedal partners

Julian and his wife Chandralekha have maintained a rather strong 18-year marriage while juggling corporate careers and parenting. Biking together, which began five years ago as a simple fitness routine transformed into what Julian calls “our couple’s sanctuary.”

“Cycling keeps us healthy while giving us undisturbed time to talk. Our weekly pre-dawn rides starting at 5-5:30 am from our home at Kotturpuram, covering 25-55 km routes to Marina Beach, OMR or Kelambakkam, always culminating in breakfast at new spots we discovered.”

One of the biggest misconceptions that prevent women from cycling is the fear that it could harm their skin or cause knee pain. Chandralekha quickly dispelled these myths. “Cycling is best, especially for people with knee pain. It’s easy on the joints and great for the cardiovascular system.” Now that’s a partnership – on the road, and in life. “It’s about having 2-3 focused hours together – from preparing the bikes to riding to breakfast. In long marriages, such intentional time becomes precious,” says Julian, as they gear up for their next adventure.