#PedalPower: Explore NCR on two wheels

On World Bicycle Day, NCR’s cyclists tell us what motivated them to start cycling, and share their fave spots in NCR to pedal around.
(L-R) Pushpinder Singh, Dhruv Sharma, Dhruvi Sharma and Ashish Gaur cycle near Humayun’s Tomb
“My interest grew as I started exploring different parts of NCR on the cycle. I would look for new spots and ride long distances and that gave me a sense of freedom. Also, it gave me a chance to get away from everything for some time.”
Favourite spot:
Shanti Path
– Dhruvi Sharma, a programme manager
“The initial idea was to get into fitness, but then I joined a cycling group and realised that it is the best way to stay fit, all while you explore different places and make new friends. I have been to different cities on my cycle have made many new friends.”
Favourite spots:
Nehru Park, Ridge Road
– Pushpinder Singh, a businessman
“When we get busy with jobs, we often do not prioritise our health as corporate employees, I got into the habit of sitting for long hours with minimal physical activity. For my fitness, I chose cycling. It gave me a chance to socialise, and in the process I am healthier.”
Favourite spots:
Shanti Path, Sunder Nursery, Jantar Mantar
– Ashish Gaur, an IT professional
“I was just looking for a chance to get out of home during COVID, and cycling came to mind. I started enjoying riding and soon started meeting other cyclists. Now, I have travelled across cities on my cycle.”
Favourite spots:
Lutyens Delhi, Leopard Hills (Gurgaon)
– Dhruv Sharma, a creative strategist
(From front to back) Shobhit Jolly Sethi, Anupam Mehta, Nancy Midha and Divya Pal Das
“During the pandemic, when mental health was becoming a priority, a friend just gave me a cycle and I started riding around my house. Cycling not only helped me reduce my weight, but also proved to be a relaxing activity. It gives me peace and I love exploring new places.”
Favourite spots:
Shanti Path, Qutub Minar, Route near Okhla Bird Sanctuary
– Nancy Midha, an administrator & advisor
“I started cycling to accompany a friend to Noida stadium in 2018 and as I made it a regular practice, I started enjoying it. Soon, I started riding solo and also joined a group. Now, cycling is an important part of my everyday life.”
Favourite spot:
Noida-Greater Noida Expressway
– Divya Pal Das, a teacher
“Post COVID, I see so many people buying bikes. I’m a part of a cycling group and we’ve had so many requests from beginners. People are now conscious about their and cycling is perfect for that.”
Favourite spots:
Noida-Greater Noida Expressway, Noida-India Gate-Noida
– Anupam Mehta, a senior marketing consultant
“Like many others, I started cycling in 2020 to stay active and began exploring many spots in NCR. Tarun Wadhwa, the founder of Dare2Gear, noticed me and I became a part of the cycling club that gave me new friends and we often go out on cycling expeditions.”
Favourite spots:
Monuments and wide roads in central Delhi, graffiti spots in Noida
– Shobhit Jolly Sethi
(L-R) Shobhit Khattar, Dr Aparna Gupta, Geeta Khattar and Ajay Sharma cycle near Cyber Hub
“Initially, cycling was an escape from home for a few hours. But it evolved into exploring unseen places in NCR and socialising, and then eventually building a cycling community. Now, I’m a long-distance rider aiming to cover the Manali-Leh route. I also have a voluntary cycling, running and hiking community in Gurgaon known as Raftaar The Club.”
Favourite spots:
Triveni Hanuman Mandir Road, Leopard Hills
– Shobhit Khattar, a corporate employee
“I have fond memories of cycling to school. I got to relive those days when I started cycling again in the lockdown. During the pandemic, we had the most memorable experiences cycling on the highway from Gurgaon to Delhi.”
Favourite spots:
Sohna Road, Leopard Corridor, Aravalli Hills
– Geeta Khattar, an HR professional
“I took up cycling after a long time a while ago (in 2020) and the main motivation was to ride with my husband. Now, I am a part of a cycling group and love taking some time out for it. It helps me explore the city.”
Favourite spot:
Golf Course Road
– Dr Aparna Gupta
“Cycling was my way to explore Gurgaon and also stay fit. I started cycling within the city and now I can cover 200 kms in one trail.”
Favourite spot:
Golf Course Road to Qutub Minar
- Ajay Sharma, a project manager