Mumbai kids go cycling on Children’s Day

Cycling is a great way to stay fit and it’s also being seen as a way to commute, especially amid the pandemic. And this time around, it was a group of children who advocated that as they got onto their bikes on Children’s Day. The youngsters embarked on a special ride in the city and as expected, it was full of fun, laughter and some outdoor adventure, too!
‘Children can help us ride into a more sustainable future’

Organised by the Cycle Chala City Bacha group, the event saw 50 kids gather at 6.30am in Santacruz.The happy, buzzing cyclists took off and rode via S V Road, then headed towards Jalsa and Juhu Beach and rode back. They took a short break at the beach, where they enjoyed fun games. Three other rides took place in South Mumbai, Chembur and Mulund as well.
Mumbai bicycle mayor Firoza Suresh, who organised the ride, says, “We cannot undermine the benefits of cycling; it can impact not just adults’ but also kids’ lives in a positive way. Many teachers report that kids who walk and cycle to school are more alert and ready to learn than those who arrive by car. I feel that it’s the children who are the superheroes who can help us ride into a more sustainable future.”
Pedalling towards a memorable day

The kids had a fun time on wheels. Dr Viswanathan Iyer, brain and spine surgeon, and bicycle councillor (T-Ward), says, “The adults also came by wearing their old school uniforms, as everyone wanted to feel like a child again. I wore my son’s uniform and a few parents did the same. We had a slow cycling competition and everyone rode from Mulund west to east. At the end, we all went to a park and the kids spoke about cycling and its impact on the environment.”

The event at South Mumbai saw a joint participation from A-Ward and C-Ward. Says marine engineer and bicycle councillor (A-Ward), Kayhan Irani, “Our entire stretch was along the sea face. The weather was great and everyone enjoyed refreshments at Nariman Point at the end. We definitely can do with more such rides in Mumbai to inculcate the value of cycling in our kids.”