I felt like Indiana Jones exploring lanes on my cycle: Netri Trivedi

Cycling through the narrow lanes of my neighbourhood with my favourite songs playing in my ears is one of my most cherished childhood memories,” shares Netri Trivedi. The Chaniya Toli actress, who joined us for a fun cycling shoot, pedalled her way to the riverfront, soaking in the warm sunset breeze. On World Bicycle Day, she talks about her first bicycle, her fond memories associated with cycling, staying fit through rides in nature, and more. Excerpts:‘Felt like Indiana Jones while exploring lanes on my cycle’Cycling, for me, is the perfect blend of fitness and fun, and it is deeply tied to my childhood memories. I used to spend hours cycling on my own when I was young. Back then, there was much less traffic, and the area where we lived had countless narrow lanes to explore. I would ride through them feeling like Indiana Jones on an adventure (laughs)! Because of that strong nostalgia, even today, cycling as part of my fitness routine feels incredibly personal and something I remain deeply connected to. Cycling at a young age also gave me a strong sense of independence. If the chain came off or the tyres needed air, I would confidently go to the repair shop on my own. Whenever my mother asked me to pick up dahi or milk from a nearby store, I loved riding there on my cycle and bringing it back. It gave me a sense of accomplishment and pride, as if I had managed something all by myself. My first bicycle was the four-wheeled BSA Champ, and it quickly became my favourite. It was on that cycle that I first learned to ride with four wheels before eventually graduating to two. I also remember that it came with a Tetris game, which made it even more special. I got it from a shop near Law Garden, and to this day, I remember that purchase as one of the happiest days of my childhood.‘Cycling is peaceful, economical and practical’We’re seeing many people return to cycling because, today, we have access to almost every modern convenience. Earlier, everyone aspired to constantly upgrade their lifestyle and vehicles. But after experiencing those upgrades, many have come to appreciate how peaceful, economical and practical cycling can be. When you travel abroad, you’ll notice that a large number of people still rely on bicycles for their daily commute, which is also reflected in lower pollution levels in many places. At the same time, awareness about health and fitness has grown significantly. People are increasingly comfortable cycling to work because it allows them to get their commute and daily exercise done at the same time. From an economic perspective, especially with rising fuel prices, cycling is far more cost-effective than relying on motor vehicles. Of course, spending ₹50,000 on a bicycle is a significant investment, but it eventually helps reduce your fuel expenses. However, for cycling to become a practical choice for more people, we need streets and infrastructure that are truly cycle-friendly.‘I enjoy cycling in nature the most’Pilates is usually my go-to workout, but whenever I need to do cardio, I choose cycling. That was especially true during the COVID-19 lockdown, when gyms were shut and I needed to get fitter for my next film. I cycled extensively during that period, and it brought back so many fond childhood memories of cycling that I had almost forgotten over the years. While most of my workouts happen indoors, if I’m cycling, I always prefer doing it outdoors and surrounded by nature, especially along the riverfront. However, with the current traffic situation becoming increasingly chaotic and overwhelming, cycling on the roads often feels unsafe. I wish we had dedicated cycling tracks where people could ride freely and without worry. Like in many countries abroad, I hope we eventually create zones where only bicycles are allowed—where people can leave their vehicles outside and cycle to their destinations. Places like the area around Cambridge University are a great example of how cycling-friendly infrastructure can transform the experience. Somehow, I can’t think of any romantic moments or songs involving cycling. What comes to mind are the cycling scenes from Stranger Things, IT, and Dark. I suppose I’m more drawn to that kind of vibe than the romantic one at the moment (laughs).