Latest addition to the butts-on-the-saddle tribe!

It’s been almost four months now, and I’m thoroughly enjoying her company. She’s sleek, sporty, and built just the way I like. We first met on February 14, 2016, and soon after, she became a permanent part of my life. Riding her brings me immense joy.

Meet my all-new Mach City [Red]—a seven-speed beauty, crafted with passion and designed for urban roads. More than just a bicycle, she’s my perfect companion on every ride.

Bicycles: The Ride Toward a Better Future

Today, for the first time, I participated in a bicycle rally. It was an incredible and enriching experience. The rally was organized for a meaningful cause—"Save the Environment." As expected, the event kicked off early in the morning with energetic music and a warm-up session. What stood out was the diversity of participants, ranging from school-going kids to 80+ senior citizens, all united by their love for cycling.

During the rally, I also discovered various cycling groups in the city, like "Pune Cycle Pratishthan," which organizes a rally on the first Sunday of every month. But as much as I enjoyed the event, I couldn't help but think—why should cycling be limited to a one-day event?

Bicycling: A Culture, Not Just an Event

If we truly care about the environment, cycling should become a way of life, not just a symbolic gesture. Here are a few simple ways we can promote cycling for a healthier planet:

Normalize Cycling: Don’t hesitate to use a bicycle for daily commutes.

Make Space for Cyclists: While many cities lack dedicated cycling lanes, we can always ensure cyclists get the space they deserve on roads.

Use Bicycles for Short Distances: Opt for a bicycle for trips within 2–3 km of your home instead of using a car or bike.

The Bicycle is the New Cool

Gone are the days when flaunting an expensive motorbike was the ultimate style statement. The future belongs to those who choose sustainability over pollution. Unfortunately, in today’s materialistic world, cycling is often perceived as a sign of financial limitation. Many still believe that progress follows this pattern:

Bicycle → Motorcycle → Car

But in reality, the reverse is true.

Take Boris Johnson, London’s Mayor (2008–2016), for example. A staunch advocate of cycling, he regularly rode his bicycle to work. In the West, the office of the Mayor is a position of great influence, unlike in many parts of India, where local leaders often go unnoticed. (Read: Local Politics). Interestingly, Johnson also supported Brexit—and we all know how that turned out. Now, I’m not saying he won just because he was a cyclist, but let’s just say that bikers are often ahead of the curve!

Cycling: A Small Step for You, A Big Step for the Planet

The time to act is now. After the Paris Agreement, reducing carbon footprints isn’t just an environmental effort—it’s an act of nationalism. Every cyclist is indirectly helping India achieve its Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC).

Some may wonder, "Will my cycling really make a difference?"

To them, I ask: Do you remember Mahatma Gandhi?

Change doesn’t happen overnight, but small actions lead to bigger transformations. Biking may not immediately change the lives of thousands, but it will definitely change your life. And let's be honest, do we really need laws and regulations for everything? Sometimes, the right thing to do is simply the right thing to do.

Believe me, cycling comes with countless rewards—but I won’t list them for you. Why? Because the experience of riding a bicycle is unique to every individual.

So, hop on your bike, ride towards a greener future, and remember—

Go Green, Keep Cycling!