Explore surrounding forest areas of Shimla for cycling trails: DC

Shimla Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap chaired a meeting of representatives of the Cycling Association of Himachal Pradesh. He said that the surrounding forest areas of the town should be explored for cycling trails to link cycling to adventure activities and boost tourism.

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The meeting focused on the construction of cycling lanes and trails in Shimla and other areas in the district. The DC said that specific areas such as Glen, Potter Hill, Tutikandi and Jakhu could be developed as potential sites, where old footpaths could be revived as cycling trails. He directed the officials of the Forest Department to identify these old routes.

During the meeting, the DC said that there was a proposal to create cycling lanes on various roads in Shimla, for which the Shimla MC had conducted a detailed survey. “In the first phase, the cycling lanes are proposed to be developed from CTO Chowk to Summer Hill, from Ritz to Nawbahar, and from Shimla Club to Chhota Shimla. Kashyap said further action would be taken based on the survey conducted by the MC to promote cycling in the city.

Kashyap added that the Youth Services and Sports Department has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Sports Authority of India for the construction of a hostel and cycling trails at Potter Hill. He said that a meeting with the Director of Youth Services and Sports Department would be scheduled soon to discuss the matter.

He also encouraged to promote cycling in various schools in Shimla. He said initiatives should be taken to inspire students to embrace cycling as it has several health benefits. It would also help alleviate traffic congestion for environmental and tourism purposes.

“A follow-up meeting will be organised soon, which will include representatives from the Shimla Municipal Corporation, forest and education departments to discuss these matters,” he said.