Celebrating World Bicycle Day: India’s entrepreneurs and celebrities pedal for eco-friendly sport and commute

Cycling is seen in India as a mode of transportation for workers or teenagers, or as a passion for fitness enthusiasts. However, cycling may be humanity’s solution to global warming, as replacing a car trip with a bike ride on some or most days can drastically reduce fossil fuel emissions.

Cycling can decongest roads that improve individual fitness and contribute to net-zero goals. Photo: Pallav Paliwal/CtoI

World Bicycle Day (June 3rd) reminds us how much good can come from cycling and creating bike-friendly infrastructure.

The bicycle should not be viewed as a stepping stone to a more ‘wealthy’ vehicle. It can hold its own in global cities and contribute significantly to the goal of “net zero”, a state in which greenhouse gas emissions from human activities are completely neutralized through emission reduction measures.

In rural India, cycling is an empowerment of mobility, especially for women. In urban India, cycling on dedicated trails is an invigorating and cost-effective way of commuting that can also take the pressure off the roads.

Many Indian celebrities cycle regularly and startups dedicated to cycling are trying to popularize the eco-friendly two-wheeler. One of the most notable cycling-related corporate endeavors is Project Carbon Shunya, created by Sabeer Bhatia, co-founder of Hotmail and Showreel. A media statement said: “The project raises awareness of the importance of sustainable transport and inspires others to embrace cycling as a way of life.”

Hotmail and Showreel co-founder Sabeer Bhatia (left) at the launch of Project Carbon Shunya in Delhi in February 2023. Photo courtesy of Instagram/showreelinc

Shunya means zero in Sanskrit, so the project name makes it clear that its goal is to promote zero-carbon transportation. The Carbon Shunya project was inaugurated in Delhi in February 2023 by Anurag Singh Thakur, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting and Youth Affairs and Sport, and attracted the participation of 60 cycling enthusiasts from Delhi.

Supermodel and actor Milind Soman, 57, counts cycling as one of his top fitness activities. Photo Courtesy: Instagram/milindrunning

As for the celebrity role models for India’s bike lovers – or for those who need some encouragement to ride a bike – there is a long list of names including supermodel and Bollywood actor Milind Soman, an ageless fitness icon; actress, adventure lover and former beauty queen Gul Panag; Bollywood superstar Salman Khan; and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar. All of these famous personalities make cycling the fun and energetic activity that it is. In fact, Gul Panag has promoted cycling as a tool for women empowerment and inclusion.

On World Bicycle Day, ride a bike and feel free with the wind in your hair.

Actress and adventure lover Gul Panag sees cycling as a tool for self-determination. Photo Courtesy: Instagram/gulpanag

Best known for hitting a ball on the cricket pitch, master blaster Sachin Tendulkar relaxes while cycling. Photo Courtesy: Instagram/sachintendulkar

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan (left) rides a bike with Union Minister Kiren Rijiju (right). Photo Courtesy: Instagram/beingsalmankhan

Whether you cycle alone or in a group, it is an incomparable feeling. Photo Courtesy: Instagram/bestwishes_collection