Venkaiah Naidu Flags Off World Bicycle Day Mega Cycling Event in Hyderabad; Calls for Dedicated Cycling Infra
Hyderabad, June 7 (TNT): Former Vice President of India M. Venkaiah Naidu on Sunday flagged off the ninth edition of the Mega Cycling Event commemorating World Bicycle Day at the SmartBike Hub in Narsingi on Hyderabad’s Outer Ring Road Cycling Track.
The event was jointly organised by SmartBike Mobility Pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad Bicycling Club (HBC), and the World Cycling Alliance, Brussels.
More than 2,500 cyclists participated in the 5-km and 10-km ride categories in Hyderabad, making it one of the largest cycling events in the city.
The event held special significance as Venkaiah Naidu had inaugurated India’s first World Bicycle Day celebrations in New Delhi in 2018 during his tenure as Vice President.
Among those present were Air Commodore Srinath Pillai of the College of Defence Management, Bharat Biotech Director Dr. Raches Ella, SmartBike Chairman and Hyderabad Bicycling Club Chairman D.V. Manohar, and Hyderabad Bicycling Club President Dr. T. Satyanarayana Reddy.
Addressing participants, Venkaiah Naidu said the theme of this year’s celebrations, “Cycling for a Green Future”, highlights the importance of sustainable and environment-friendly mobility.
He appreciated SmartBike, Hyderabad Bicycling Club, the World Cycling Alliance, Sports Authority of India and FIT India for organising cycling events simultaneously in Hyderabad, New Delhi and Chandigarh.
“It is encouraging to see enthusiastic participation from children, youth, women and senior citizens. Cycling not only promotes health and fitness but also contributes significantly to environmental protection and economic savings,” he said.
The former Vice President recalled that during his tenure as Union Minister for Urban Development, he had advocated the creation of dedicated cycling tracks in cities and towns across the country.
He urged state governments to make cycling infrastructure an integral part of urban planning and encourage younger generations to adopt cycling as a daily habit.
Highlighting the environmental benefits of cycling, he said growing ecological challenges require sustainable alternatives and cycling represents both a healthy lifestyle choice and a commitment to a greener future.
D.V. Manohar, Chairman of SmartBike and First Vice President of the World Cycling Alliance, said World Bicycle Day celebrations in India began in 2018 following the United Nations’ recognition of the day.
He noted that the event has grown into one of the country’s largest cycling movements.
He said this year’s celebrations were being held simultaneously in Hyderabad, Chandigarh and New Delhi, attracting approximately 2,500 cyclists in Hyderabad, over 2,000 in Chandigarh and around 5,000 in New Delhi.
Manohar also reiterated the need for a comprehensive National Cycling Policy for India.
He said a draft policy prepared at the suggestion of Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya had been submitted to the Government of India and expressed confidence that it would soon be implemented.
According to him, the policy aims to integrate cycling into India’s urban mobility framework, promote sustainable transportation and encourage the development of dedicated cycling infrastructure nationwide.
The New Delhi event was flagged off by Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya and actor Vikrant Massey at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, while the Chandigarh ride was inaugurated by Chandigarh Chief Secretary H. Rajesh Prasad.
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