Hyderabad cyclists plan ‘revolution’ to reclaim roads

HYDERABAD: Irked by lack of space and safety, the cycling community in the city will launch a Hyderabad Cycling Revolution on February 27 seeking better cycling infrastructure.
On December 31, a 44-year-old cyclist Nithin Agarwal was run over by a drunk driver in Gachibowli when he and his friends were cycling. The incident sparked an outrage among other cyclists who are now demanding the Telangana government enhance infrastructure across the city for safety of not only cyclists but also walkers, runners and pedestrians.

Hundreds of cyclists are set to assembly at the Gachibowli Stadium and then cycle their way all up to KBR Park, People’s Plaza towards Charminar. While the city has dozens of independent cycling groups, this initiative is being led by Santhana Selvan, the cycling mayor of Hyderabad, to bring together cyclists as one big community.
“We want to flood the roads with cyclists to showcase our strength. We want to convey the message that even cyclists have their right to road and safety. It’s time the government comes up with comprehensive bicycling lanes network to promote active mobility across the city. Public bicycle sharing should be encouraged in all metro and bus stations,” said Selvan. The Hyderabad Cycling Revolution initiative is being taken up to reclaim the Hyderabad roads by cyclists. The social media is abuzz with #WeTooShareTheRoad and #HyderabadCyclingRevolution as cyclists share their experiences and challenges while cycling on Hyderabad roads.
“Earlier, people used to cycle to school, college and to work. Today, considering the rise in number of vehicles, one cannot even imagine to cycle without being worried about safety. We want the government to enforce strict vigil on drink driving, wrong side driving, speeding vehicles so that people can cycle without any fear,” said Ravi Sambari, one of the coordinators for the event.