City’s cycle evangelists growing day by day

Thiruvananthapuram: Skipping the car and motorcycle, riding a bicycle to office is yet to become a trend among the city folks. However, there are some professionals who prefer the eco-friendly way.
Some techies, government servants and scientists are leading the way by riding a bicycle to the office. Their reasons vary from health, hike in fuel prices, green way of life and fun to choose a bike over a motorbike.

It has been more than five years that Rajesh Madhavan, undersecretary at the general administration department started cycling from his home in Thampuranmukku to the Secretariat. Rajesh is also the joint secretary of Trivandrum Bikers Club and owns three geared bicycles.

“When I joined the service at Secretariat years ago, most of the employees travelled in bicycle and there was even a post called cyclist and watchman. But, when the two-wheelers took over, the post got abolished,” said Rajesh, who now works as the administrative officer of dairy development department.

Hike in fuel price and health were the reasons for Anish Kumar K, a business analyst in UST Global to choose bicycle for daily ride to office, while it was the fun to ride a bicycle that led Ramesh Chandran, consultant at a firm in Technopark to ride a distance of around 40 kilometres daily from Vettamukku to his office and back.

“It has been a year since I started riding a bicycle to the office. Though it is a five-kilometre ride, I understand the benefits of riding a bicycle. I chose a hybrid model bike who suits my route. Except for the pollution from other vehicles and poor condition of the road near Thripadapuram en route, I enjoy the ride,” said Anish, a resident of Kazhakkoottam.

“I have been riding a road bike to the office for the past four years. Initially, I was nervous about riding the bike to the office, now I have overcome my inhibitions and enjoy the ride,” said Ramesh.

Sharing their experience on traffic road, the cyclists said that the attitude of people towards cyclist lacks the consideration given to pedestrians. While there are footpaths and zebra crossings for pedestrians, there is no track for the cyclists.

Rahul Revikumar, a scientist/engineer at VSSC took up cycling as a fitness exercise and rides a bicycle to office from his home at Kazhakkoottam.

“Basically, I am a runner and chose bicycle ride as part of a competition. And the daily cycling to office has helped me a lot in terms of health and time. Also, I could spare the time spent at traffic block near the level cross en route to my office at Station Kadavu, as there is another road for two-wheelers around one kilometre away. And I can reach the office on time,” said Rahul, who is preparing for the upcoming edition of Ironman Triathlon.

Setting an example for his students Anand A J, assistant professor in mechanical engineering department, Trinity College of Engineering rides a bicycle to the college.