Poona Cycle Pratishtan shows the way for a healthy existence

The Poona Cycle Pratisthan (PCP) was founded in August 1998 to promote cycling as an alternative mode of transport. It all began with a vacation which Dr Dilip Sarada, his friend Dr Shirish Patwardhan and their families took to Goa during Diwali in 1996. For five days, the members of both families moved around the coastal town pedalling away with abandon. Back in Pune, their enthusiasm with the humble cycle continued. The doctors thought it was a good idea to occasionally use their cycles to get to their clinics. Surprisingly, it wasn't a mere fad, and the enthusiasm persisted. It was not long before it became a regular habit and soon it was good-bye to the cool comforts of a chauffeur driven car. "I use my car only on Sundays," says Dr Sarada, obviously happy that he persisted with what many had dismissed as a mere fad.

For the last three years, Dr Sarada has been pedalling 28 kms daily to get to his clinic and back to his residence. His family was, as expected, not very encouraging, and more than a little worried about his safety. "I do understand their concern and take the necessary precautions," he says. Dr Sarada avoids peak hour traffic, takes a less traversed, though longer route, never cycles after sunset, does not risk cycling when there is a fog or a downpour, and has fixed a rear view mirror along with pedal and wheel reflectors. He has come across some amusing reactions. A patient once spotted him on his cylce at a red light, and, assuming that the doctor had fallen on bad times, offered to buy him a moped! And it took a while for his staff to get used to him arriving to work on his bicycle. Today, they all cycle to work.

Undoubtedly, cycling has a lot of advantages. Besides being a great calorie burner, it helps reduce pollution, saves on fuel, occupies less space on the roads and, come to think of it, also saves on exercise time! For cynics who wonder how one can attend to work after a hot and sweaty cycle ride, Dr Sarada says that it is a matter of a few months before the endurance builds to a level when a person sweats minimally or not at all. So a cycle ride is really no sweat! At least, that's what PCP's motley group of 60 odd members, comprising students, professionals and housewives among others, think as they actively promote cycling as a means to get around the city.

First of every month is "Vehicle free day." Members congregate at 7.30 am at a designated spot and cycle for an hour to a predetermined point. At least on that one day, their vehicles stay home and they cycle, use public transport or simply walk to their destinations.

For the Pediatric State Conference to be held in Aurangabad, Dr Sarada and 20 other Pediatricians intend to go on cycles. "We draw a lot of attention cycling in groups, especially in smaller towns, with our cycling gear, caps, sunglasses et al. This helps us in our endeavour to spread social messages," explains Dr Sarada. The message could be anything from educating villagers about the importance of a right diet, to benefits of mother's milk or a simple talk about the different vaccinations the children need to take.

As for us city folk, the message is clear. Steer clear of your vehicles whenever possible.

By Shabari Shetty
Photographs by Harikrishna