Health first: Residents put cycling on pedestal amid pandemic times

Amritsar, July 22

When the ongoing pandemic first broke out who would have thought that it would also falsh it’s bright side. None were optimistic as it continued to knock down not only but also the spirits of people. The only thing that seemed perpetually running through the minds of people was how to stay alive.

Nonetheless, if one climbs up the pandemic’s wall of misery to take a look over and beyond it, one will find that the virus has taught people many things. From importance of living in hygenic conditions to gravity of the term ‘health is wealth’.

And the city residents, in this aspect, are quick learners. They have realised well the significance of keeping in shape, especially amid these pandemic times. Eventually, cycling has emerged as the people’s favourite. Many have taken to pedalling on the roads to assit their health. Moreover, doctors and environmentalists are further urging people to adopt cycling and avoid the traffic congestion. As a result, nowadays, It is a commonplace sight to been men and women in varying age brackets pedalling about, and even kids have not lagged behind. They can be seen on the cycle tracks.

Also, the absence of an alternative mode of transport has made people adopt the cycling as a healthy and an eco-friendly option. They are not only using it for as a a means of exercising but also for short-distances commuting.

However, lack of dedicated cycle tracks is a thorn in their flesh. Many cyclists have expressed their disdain. There are several options to construct cycle track such as the banks of UBDC canal. As of now, there is only a 2km long track near the Trillium Shopping Mall. It does not suffice.

The beacon of hope, the proposal of dedicated cycle track network spanning 23.2 km across the holy city under the Smart City project, is much-awaited. It is estimated at cost of Rs 19.22 crore. Under this, two kinds of tracks will be laid with ample of width. On narrow roads, epoxy paint marking will be there on the surface to indicate cycling path. The cycling track will be set up on the Circular road alongside the walled city, Ranjit Avenue, Islamabad area, Maqbool road and the Mall road.

Linking of residential areas with the educational institutes like Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) and Khalsa College, public parks, Gobindgarh fort is going to be one of the main features of the track. It will offer easy accessibility to cyclists.

Initially, a pilot project (2.5km) will be rolled out at Ranjit Avenue. Experience gained from it will help in setting up the track in other parts of the city. All in good time.

SPEAKING OUT

Here, cycle is a poor man’s conveyance. Everyone wants a motorised vehicle. But it is an eco-friendly mode of conveyance. It keeps you fit and healthy. More people should adopt this. —Dr Gurpreet Singh, Cyclist

I keep cycle in my SUV. There are dedicated tracks for cycling in Chandigarh. Here, too, there is a dire need for such tracks. I do cycling on the bypass road, which is not safe at all. —Gurshabad Singh, Punjabi singer and actor

After Covid-19, I realised the importance of fitness. So, I started cycling in March. Now, It is my routine. If we want to encourage cycling, we should have separate tracks alongside roads. —Bhawandeep Singh, Teacher

During the lockdown period, I was restricted to home. Some friends of mine asked me to join their cycling group. I found it interesting and beneficial for health. Cycling is my passion now. —Jagmeet Singh, Cyclist