Pedal Pushers

Laptop in backpack and formal clothing intact,an increasing number of professionals are now riding to work.

Giving cars and two-wheelers a miss,professionals are preferring to cycle to work
Laptop in backpack and formal clothing intact,an increasing number of professionals are now riding to work. Its healthy,keeps the environment clean and saves natural resources, says Avinash Mehta,59,Deputy Commissioner,Excise,Customs and Service Tax,as we spot him riding to work. I have been cycling since college and have just never given it up, he says,adding that he uses the official car only for long-distance travel. It refreshes me,gives me time to make a mental list of things to do and enjoy the city at its best, he adds.

Aman Sood,working with an NGO Raindrops,is another such. Twenty-six years old,he took to cycling in school. I cycle to work whenever time permits,which is about five days a week, he says. His cycling kit stores all essentials a pair of gloves,gear and break wire,helmet,glares,scarf and an anti-itch cream. I am always prepared for a ride,no matter the weather, Sood says.

Cycling to work makes sense for the citys well-heeled,as nearly 7.75 lakh vehicles clog Chandigarhs roads,with 300 new vehicles added every day, says Amit Khuranna,a businessman,who heads straight for the shower and a change of clothes once he cycles to office. For Rakesh Mohindra,library officer,Law Department,also the founder member of Chandigarh Amateur Cycling Federation,its the love for the sport that inspires him. Unfortunately,Indian society equates prosperity with bigger vehicles and cycling with the poor. With growing awareness,its now becoming the mode of transport for the affluent as well, he says,adding that commuting on cycle even for short distances can save a minimum of Rs 800 a month.

For Dr Gaurav Chhabra,a social activist winter is a great time to get the bike out to enjoy the cool wind in your face. Chhabra uses his bicycle for both work and leisure and enjoys the physical benefits of cycling,Chandigarh is a great place to cycle and its infectious,as many of my friends have bought bikes to ride along, he smiles.

Bhanu Vashisht,an MBA,says,Not only does it feel good,but it promises a great view of nature. His friend Deepak Aswal,an architect,agrees but adds a word of caution. Before you head for a ride,keep a few things handy a spare tube and tools or a patch kit,a pump and a good pair of cycling shorts. Besides,always remember,safety on a bicycle can usually be summed up with three rules: be visible,be predictable,and ride with traffic.

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