World Bicycle Day 2020: India Needs Cycling Tracks

World Bicycle Day is here and while we already know the healthy benefits of cycling, we just want to reiterate why and how it is beneficial even more right now when the entire world is paranoid about catching an infection from coronavirus.

We all know that the pandemic has almost minimised our movements. Besides, because we are not allowed step out or socialise no matter which community or society we live in for fear of infection, there is no scope for recreation too. Gone are the days, when a bored person could dial a friend to come over for drinks or even play a game of tennis with a friend to keep oneself fit. But now all that life will never be the same. With mandatory precautions becoming the order of the day, it won't be easy for people to step out to meet a friend like before.

But guess what? Like they say every dark cloud has a silver lining. So there is no restrictions as such for cycling. In fact the World Health Organisation has asked people to not only opt to cycling as a mean of transport but also use it for fitness.

Also, we know that the level of air pollution was minimised to a great extent thanks to lower carbon footprints this means a cleaner environment and fresh air to breathe. The regions where smog was at all-time high recorded better air quality. Isn't preserving the environment that way healthy too? So opting for a bicycle as mode of transport also means lower carbon dioxide emissions and cleaner air and a much safer environment. As citizens we must take a pledge to opt for bicycling unless the workplace is too far off. But at least you could cycle it down till the metro station or the nearest bus station.

Now, with concerns over infection and fear of contracting the virus, bicycle is the best way to maintain social distancing during travel and also easy to sanitise. While a few countries have dedicated cycling tracks, countries like India are yet to get there. Once that happens, we could all contribute to keeping the Earth clean and ourselves healthy. In the meantime, keep cycling as means to keep yourselves fit.