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Veteran tips on how to navigate Pune roads

Cycling veterans place great importance on fluorescent jackets, especially on dim or unlit Pune streets. The cycle must also have lights in front and the back and brakes.

Gurudas Nulkar travels by cycle, including on the congested Fergusson College Road. “Cyclists must start asserting their right to use the infrastructure that was created for cycling in the first place. I frequently use the cycling track on Ferguson Road; it is encroached upon by vehicles that are parked. There are people who are just loitering around. In such cases, you need to ring your bell and tell them that you know that this is your right of way. That’s important,” says Nulkar, director, Centre for Sustainable Development, Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics.

Nulkar is also a regular on the metro, and uses the cycling parking at the Deccan Gymkhana metro. “It is always empty. I am the only one who parks there. But, we must use the facilities available to us,” he said.

Wear the gear

Ajay Phatak of the Ecological Society, has been commuting by cycle “all my life”. “The two most important aspects are safety and pollution. For safety, you make sure that you always wear a helmet. If you are going long distances, you must also wear cycling gloves. If you happen to fall down, one of the first things that you hit are the wrists. The gloves also help because, as you sweat, it will protect your hands from slipping from the handle,” said Phatak.

Cycling veterans place great importance on fluorescent jackets, especially on dim or unlit Pune streets. The cycle must also have lights in front and the back and brakes. “The roads of Pune are not tailored for cyclists anymore. But, cycling is still possible,” he said.

Be part of mainstream traffic

From years of experience, he has realised that one of the mistakes many cyclists make, probably due to the fear of traffic, is to stay very close to the edge of the road. In the city, cycling tracks are few and far between. Finding a clear and wide track is even rarer. Phatak said that cycling on the road is a better option when there is no track or these are encroached.

“One of the reasons cycling accidents happen is that people don’t see cyclists at all. Even if a very large vehicle comes close to you, it is possible that you can easily fall down. So, you should be seen on the road. While cycling, you must assume that you are a part of the traffic and not an inferior vehicle on the road. Go with the traffic rather than staying on the edge of the lane. That way cyclists can avoid the problem of being stuck on the left of the road when they want to turn right at the signal,” said Phatak.

Start with a cycling group, correct bike model

According to Nishikant Waikar of Hadapsar Athletic Club, beginners should be careful about the cycle they choose. “The basic Mountain Bikes are suitable but must be adjusted for height. A more experienced cyclist can use a hybrid cycle while an advanced cyclist can use pro road bikes. In the morning, when the traffic is low, one can cycle around Pune University and other locations like Pashan road, Magarpatta City, roads around Turf club race course, Taljai hill-Sahkarnagar.

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In the heart of the city, there are narrow lanes with drains or potholes that are dangerous. Beginners should avoid highways and start with the safest roads. Ideally, beginners should start with a cycling group to learn about the city roads,” said Waikar.

Dipanita Nath

Dipanita Nath is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, based in Pune. She is a versatile journalist with a deep interest in the intersection of culture, sustainability, and urban life. Professional Background Experience: Before joining The Indian Express, she worked with other major news organizations including Hindustan Times, The Times of India, and Mint. Core Specializations: She is widely recognized for her coverage of the climate crisis, theatre and performing arts, heritage conservation, and the startup ecosystem (often through her "Pune Inc" series). Storytelling Focus: Her work often unearths "hidden stories" of Pune—focusing on historical institutes, local traditions, and the personal journeys of social innovators. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) Her recent reporting highlights Pune’s cultural pulse and the environmental challenges facing the city during the winter season: 1. Climate & Environment "Pune shivers on coldest morning of the season; minimum temperature plunges to 6.9°C" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the record-breaking cold wave in Pune and the IMD's forecast for the week. "How a heritage tree-mapping event at Ganeshkhind Garden highlights rising interest in Pune’s green legacy" (Dec 20, 2025): Covering a citizen-led initiative where Gen Z and millennials gathered to document and protect ancient trees at a Biodiversity Heritage Site. "Right to breathe: Landmark NGT order directs PMC to frame norms for pollution from construction sites" (Dec 8, 2025): Reporting on a significant legal victory for residents fighting dust and air pollution in urban neighborhoods like Baner. 2. "Hidden Stories" & Heritage "Inside Pune library that’s nourished minds of entrepreneurs for 17 years" (Dec 21, 2025): A feature on the Venture Center Library, detailing how a collection of 3,500 specialized books helps tech startups navigate the product life cycle. "Before he died, Ram Sutar gave Pune a lasting gift" (Dec 18, 2025): A tribute to the legendary sculptor Ram Sutar (creator of the Statue of Unity), focusing on his local works like the Chhatrapati Shivaji statue at Pune airport. "The Pune institute where MA Jinnah was once chief guest" (Dec 6, 2025): An archival exploration of the College of Agriculture, established in 1907, and its historical role in India's freedom struggle. 3. Arts, Theatre & "Pune Inc" "Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak were not rivals but close friends, says veteran filmmaker" (Dec 17, 2025): A deep-dive interview ahead of the Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) exploring the camaraderie between legends of Indian cinema. "Meet the Pune entrepreneur helping women build and scale businesses" (Dec 16, 2025): Part of her "Pune Inc" series, profiling Nikita Vora’s efforts to empower female-led startups. "How women drone pilots in rural Maharashtra are cultivating a green habit" (Dec 12, 2025): Exploring how technology is being used by women in agriculture to reduce chemical use and labor. Signature Style Dipanita Nath is known for intellectual curiosity and a narrative-driven approach. Whether she is writing about a 110-year-old eatery or the intricacies of the climate crisis, she focuses on the human element and the historical context. Her columns are often a blend of reportage and cultural commentary, making them a staple for readers interested in the "soul" of Pune. X (Twitter): @dipanitanath ... Read More

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