Cycling has always held a special place in my heart, woven into my fondest childhood memories. It is nostalgia at its peak! As a child, the bicycle symbolized true freedom; freedom to explore, to move, and simply to be in the moment. But today, that charm feels somewhat lost. The daily casual cyclist is now a rare sight. Streets are jammed with vehicles, and bicycles are mostly used by those who can’t afford motorized transport. Even more disheartening is the decline in children riding bikes. Gone are the days when kids joyfully cycled to school, parks, and everywhere in between.
The roads today are crowded, noisy, and aggressive. Many car owners act as though the streets belong only to them. Cyclists are almost treated as intruders and are often blamed for slowing down traffic. Frequently, the cyclist most often bears the verbal abuse of the driver’s rage. But slowing down isn’t necessarily bad. It could actually be a good thing, encouraging a healthier pace of life in the urban setting.
This attitude has made cycling seem impractical and even unsafe, especially in Indian cities like mine. Understandably, many parents are reluctant to buy bicycles for their children. What was once a joyful, liberating experience is now clouded by concerns over safety. I believe this shift in perception and planning has contributed greatly to the decline of cycling among younger generations. Again on the nostalgia trip! I fondly remember my father cycling to work for a substantial part of his early work life.
Bicycle Days: My Childhood Remembered
I remember my childhood with a particular fondness for my father’s old Raleigh bicycle. It was one of those classic models you would commonly find in India, though most of the world had long since moved on to more modern styles. Later, I learned that the Raleigh was affectionately called a “Dutchie” due to its upright sitting position, a style of bike still popular in the Netherlands today.
My father, who had a strong bond with that old bicycle, would ride it often. He bought it when he was college-bound, convincing his mother (my grandmother) to help finance it. The bike became more than just a means of transportation; it was his companion, traveling with him through different phases of life. My father was an avid long-distance traveler, often making cycling trips (with friends) that lasted days during his younger days. Back in those days, there weren’t many motor vehicles around, and the humble bicycle was something everyone cherished. My father went on to graduate from college, attend university, get married, and pursue a job, but through all these years, he never parted with that old cycle. He maintained it with care, only selling it when it became so rusty that parts started falling off.
It was on that very bike that I learned to ride. By now, my father had his Bajaj scooter; the bicycle was fully in my possession. The classic had a tall frame and a comfortable, upright riding position, making it ideal for leisurely rides. Its large tires made it surprisingly fast, and there was something magical about the way it made me feel. I could roam around my neighborhood, or sometimes even venture beyond it, without much effort. It didn’t matter what time of day it was; the simple act of pedaling through the streets brought me immense joy. The acceleration of that moment was exhilarating. It was almost addictive!
There were other kids in the neighborhood with similar bicycles, and we would often race each other or just ride side by side, weaving through the streets. The joy of cycling as a child is indescribable. If I could turn back the pages of my life in search of pure, unadulterated joy, it would be those moments; riding my bicycle through the streets and corners with nothing on my mind but the freedom of the ride.
In fact, cycling became a way for me to connect with others. I made many friends through those cycle rides, and every ride was an adventure waiting to happen. I would find an excuse to get on that bicycle, sometimes borrowing a cycle from distant acquaintances just for the joy of riding it around.
From Pedals to Petrol: Leaving the Cycle Behind
As I entered my teenage years, cycling remained a constant companion. My father promised to buy me a new bicycle if I managed to score over 60 percent in my board exams; and I did. That is how I got my first bike, truly my own: a BSA SLR. It was lightweight, with a sleek steel frame and thin tires, probably around 35 inches. It felt fast and agile, and for the first time, I felt like a true cyclist. The only downside? Those narrow tires led to frequent punctures. Still, I used it every single day, riding for miles and miles. Each ride was a small adventure; sometimes solo, often with friends. I remember exploring unfamiliar parts of the city and visiting archaeological sites nearby. I even recall heading out to the canals on the outskirts, enjoying the peaceful view and dipping into the cool water on hot days. With a shiny bicycle and some pocket money to spend on sugarcane juice or watermelon, I truly believed I had everything I needed for a good life. I mean what else does a 16 year old want?
But then, the unthinkable happened. My bike was stolen. It was more than just a loss of a physical object; it felt like I had lost a part of my freedom and joy. Later, my father bought a moped (Hero Puch) for my brother and me. It was faster, sure, but fuel costs and frequent maintenance made it less liberating. Eventually, after college, I abandoned the idea of cycling; thinking it was too humble for a young man in a motorbike world.
Rediscovering the Ride in a New World
After graduating in engineering, I moved to the US, where university campuses are sprawling and often challenging to navigate on foot. To get around efficiently, I bought a bicycle; reviving an old mode of transport, but this time purely for utility. Although I had grown fascinated by the car culture in America, where private vehicles dominate, the humble bicycle became my practical companion on campus. For several years, I relied on it to reach classes on time and occasionally to run errands like grocery shopping. Despite not owning a car, the bicycle provided me with a simple, efficient way to get around, requiring only occasional tire inflation and minimal upkeep.
Surprisingly, I had a couple of bicycles stolen during this time. I never understood why anyone would steal a bicycle in the US, given their affordability and availability. But I chose to believe that if someone stole it, they probably needed it more than I did; especially since my bikes were inexpensive Walmart models. After graduation, I entered the corporate world and didn’t think much about bicycles, fully embracing the convenience of cars. Years later, when I returned to university for my PhD, I bought a nicer bicycle (Giant Escape Hybrid), only to have it stolen again. It wasn’t until I became a professor that I seriously reconsidered cycling; for leisure rather than necessity. After moving back to India, I bought a bike and now ride regularly, enjoying the freedom it offers. Sometimes, my ambition soars, where I think of doing the Audax BRM rides. Cycling is affordable, reasonably fast, eco-friendly, easy to maintain, and a great way to stay fit. What more could one ask for?
Cycling Today: A Luxury or a Lifestyle?
Today, however, the cycling landscape has changed. Cycling has become something of a luxury, often reserved for those with disposable incomes. Many people now buy expensive road bikes or mountain bikes, which are undoubtedly great machines, but this has led to the idea that cycling itself has to be a competitive or high-performance sport. With fancy gear, tight-fitting cycling clothes, helmets, and high-tech bikes, it often feels like every adult cyclist is preparing for the Tour de France.
While these competitive aspects are important and have their place, what we need more of is the everyday cyclist; the one riding a simple, non-geared bicycle for the joy of it. We need more people riding for the simple pleasure of the ride, not to compete or measure themselves against others. What we really need is more everyday cyclists; people riding bikes for pleasure, to run errands, to exercise, to explore, to commute or to take their children to school.
By encouraging these casual cyclists, we can make our cities more enjoyable, accessible, and livable. Cities designed to welcome cyclists of all kinds will improve the quality of life for everyone, making them safer and more inclusive. By embracing casual everyday cycling, our cities would be more humane, breathable, and balanced. This is the surest way to create a healthier and happier community.
Let us Reclaim Our Streets
To revive the joy of cycling, we must take collective action. Creating safer, more cycle-friendly environments is essential. It begins with making our roads truly accommodating for cyclists. This involves more than just building dedicated bike lanes; it means designing cities that prioritize people over vehicles, where pedestrians and cyclists are given equal importance. Public spaces should actively encourage outdoor activity, with safe, designated areas for biking, playing, and simply being outside.
The benefits of such changes are immense. Cycling helps children stay physically healthy, improves fitness, and supports mental well-being. But beyond health, it gives them something even more valuable: the experience of freedom, exploration, and simple unadulterated joy. This is something many of us remember fondly from our own childhoods.
As parents and community members, we have a crucial role to play. We need to encourage our children to cycle more often, guiding them away from a sedentary lifestyle dominated by the multitude of digital screens. By giving them the space and permission to explore on two wheels, we’re not just promoting exercise; we’re giving them the gift of independence, adventure, and connection with the world around them. A bicycle can be more than just a mode of transport; for a child, it can be a doorway to wonder.
Final Thoughts
As I ride through the streets now, memories flood in with every turn of the wheel. The cycle has been more than just a way to get from place to place; it has carried me through the many chapters of life. As I pedal through my city, I see the echoes of my childhood adventures, the friendships, the college commutes, the explorations, the small trips, and much more. Each familiar turn brings back the moments gone by. I feel the gentle presence of those who once occupied my world : the friends I used to play with, the trees I used to climb, the childhood crushes who once made my heart race, the street vendors whose voice was the soothing soundtrack of growing up.
The streets have changed a lot, but my memories of the old bygone days still lingers in those corners. With every pedal stroke, I carry those moments with me. I am filled with a quiet gratitude for having lived them, for still being able to feel them. In these fleeting moments, the past and present seem to ride side by side.
