Over 500 cyclists take part in Pune-Pandharpur rally

Over 500 cyclists take part in Pune-Pandharpur rally

PUNE: More than 500 cyclists from the Indo Athletic Society (a group of cyclists and athletes from Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad) started a cycle rally from Pune to Pandharpur on Saturday. The group, which is holding the rally for the fourth consecutive year, aims to spread environmental awareness and cycling culture.

Gajanan Kahire (38), a founder member of Indo Athletic Society (IAS) from Nigdi and an IT engineer, said, “This cycle rally was started with just seven cyclists from Pimpri-Chinchwad and Pune in 2016. In the second year, the number of cyclists increased to 24 and in the third year, there were 260 cyclists taking part in the rally. This year, there are more than 500 cyclists out of which 30 are ladies.”

The rally started from Bhakti Shakti at 4 am and reached Pandharpur at 6 pm on the same day. 

On Sunday, the cyclists started at 6 am from Pandharpur and reached Pimpri-Chinchwad by 8 pm to cover a distance of 260 km from Pandharpur to Pune.

Pradnya Ajagar (36), a cyclist from Chinchwad and a school teacher in New English Medium School Chinchwad, who has taken part in the rally for the first time, said, “I have been cycling for last two months and every day I used to cycle 50 km. I have participated in the rally to motivate my students to cycle every day and stay fit. This will also help reduce the carbon footprint.”

An IT professional from Katraj, Dnyanesh Taru (30), said, “This is the second time I have participated in the rally. Other cyclists en route ask the cause and cycle with us for a few kilometres. The participation of cyclists is increasing every year and there is no age bar. Until now, there have been no major accidents and we carry support vehicles with us.” 

Narendra Salunkhe (58), head of Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) cycle department, said, “I cycle daily for 50 km. I have been part of this rally since the beginning. All the cyclists participating in the rally are very experienced. To boost cycling in the city, the PMC is constructing 824 km long cycling track. Along with it, we are also promoting cycling by conducting various awareness programmes.”

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