Cycling becomes daily fitness regime for many

Cycling has increasingly turned into a health mantra for people of all age groups, many of whom have adopted strict daily cycling routines to improve and maintain their overall well-being. Once merely a mode of transport, cycling is now witnessing an unprecedented resurgence as a preferred fitness activity.

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This trend is visible across Ludhiana, where growing numbers of cyclists can be seen on the city’s roads during early mornings and evenings.

Lucky Sood, a 43-year-old businessman and cycling enthusiast, shared that he cycles twice a day, once in the morning and again in the evening. He said he may forget any part of his business schedule but never his cycling routine. “At 5 am I wake up daily, take my cycle and go to Punjab Agricultural University. I spend almost an hour cycling and then do some light exercise before returning home. Then at around 7 pm in the evening, I repeat the same regime. I have been doing this for over two years now and it has given me huge benefits,” added Sood.

Sood noted that ever since he began cycling, he has faced no health issues. In fact, thanks to his cycling routine, he remains energetic throughout the day.

Another cyclist, Devansh (17), said that since the summer holidays began, many of his friends have joined gyms to build muscle, but he decided to stick with cycling due to its wide-ranging health benefits. “If we go to the gym, our muscles may be visible, but we may not be internally fit. Cycling offers all-round fitness, which is better than going to the gym,” emphasised Devansh.

Dedicated tracks largely underused

It is pertinent to mention that Ludhiana has two dedicated cycle tracks—on Malhar Road and Model Town Extension Road—but both are currently serving little purpose. Cyclists continue to ride on the main roads, which poses a risk of accidents.

Though the tracks were developed by the Municipal Corporation specifically for cyclists, neither has seen proper usage. The track at Model Town Extension remains largely unutilised, with overgrown grass on its sides and school buses and vans often parked along the route, thereby undermining its intended use. Due to a lack of awareness among cyclists, the track is often mistaken for a pedestrian footpath. In some stretches, it has even become a sleeping space for homeless individuals.

Likewise, the cycle track on both sides of Malhar Road, developed under the Smart City Mission, has effectively turned into a parking zone. Vehicles belonging to people visiting nearby markets are regularly parked on the track, completely negating its purpose