Elderly refuse to lag behind, join the Raahgiri ride

NEW DELHI: It wasn't just children and youngsters who attended the first Raahgiri Day here on Sunday, enthusiastic elderly men and women turned up in large numbers. While many stuck to their exercise routine, others were game for something different.
Hansraj Batra, 67, last cycled four decades ago. "At that time I needed to make trips on cycle," he said. He had been wanting to cycle for recreation but the menacing traffic made him hesitant.At Raahgiri, he rode with confidence. Batra, a retired bank official, was accompanied by his 12-year-old grandson, Chaitanya.
Some came on cycles while others rented them at the venue. There were complaints about the bicycles falling short due to the overwhelming turnout. However, the participants appreciated the effort to de-clutter roads and provide a way to walk, stake and cycle.
For Chandan Roy, a retired government servant, the event brought back childhood memories of coming to Central Park. "I used to come here often with my parents. We could walk on the roads as there was hardly any traffic. Now that is unimaginable. I came here only to watch the event. The next time I'll bring my friends along,'' said Roy.
Road safety was the biggest concern for senior citizens. "The road design should be pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly," said Vikas Bahl, a retired government official.