Mumbai’s population is incredibly diverse; there’s no two things about it. Unsurprisingly, this diversity also includes our many fitness enthusiasts who have introduced Mumbai to a multitude of new ways to stay fit. As a way to encourage this blooming fitness trend, is our city’s newest addition—a ‘Sunday cycling track’.
Our city sees many cycling enthusiasts who put in extra hours to stay fit, or simply for the joy of it. It’s no lie when we say we also have overenthusiastic drivers, making these very roads unsafe for our fellow cyclists; especially for those who cycle at the crack of dawn or at midnight. The cycling path consists of two paths that run parallel to each other, a stretch of 11 kilometres from the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) theatre at Nariman Point to the Worli Sea Link. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) took up the initiative as a step towards reducing air and noise pollution in the city. The BMC plans to start such cycling tracks in other parts of the metropolis as well, along with barricades for these dedicated lanes.
Mumbaikars can access these cycle lanes between the hours of 6 AM and 10 AM every Sunday morning, as well as a few hours on select Saturdays. After a successful trial run from Marine Drive to Chowpatty in the presence of Mumbai Mayor Vishwanath Mahadeshwar, he stated, “We will look at making this track available every day, depending on people’s response.” The cycle path will be feasible for all thanks to its no cost access, as its maintenance is to be taken up by NGOs or corporates. In case you don’t own a cycle, fear not! You can just pick up a cycle and helmet from the 4 kiosks on the route for only INR 100 per hour.
Rumour has it that a 39 km long stretch from Mulund to Wadala is to take form, that will consist of 40 entry and exit points. Making it part of the public transportation structure, the track is expected to connect 19 railway stations, 7 metro stations and 4 monorail stations. With additions of parking spaces and resting points, the track will also see features like a biodiversity corridor, a Bollywood walk and a Mumbai books route to mark its presence.
First of many to come, the 11 km cycling stretch ending at the Worli seaface is a boon to cycling lovers and fitness freaks. Running via Marine Drive, Babulnath, Peddar Road and Annie Besant Road, this dual lane system is a great way for tourists and locals in Mumbai to explore the interiors of the older parts of Bombay we lovingly call ‘Town’.
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