From Germany to Chandigarh, cycling his way of life

Chandigarh: For Chandigarh College of Architecture (CCA) principal Pradeep Kumar Bhagat, cycling is not merely a mode to travel but the most effective, simplest and meaningful way to keep him healthy, fit and energetic.

The 57-year-old has made cycling his way of life since 1994 when he joined as associate professor with CCA. "I used to travel on a cycle during my student days. But after joining the profession, I took to it vigorously. Since I am national medallist in gymnastics and inclined towards sports, maintaining fitness is one of the key reasons behind cycling. There is no better exercise than cycling. And, it is quite easy," he says.

Bhagat's love for riding grew more in Germany. "When I went to study my masters in architectural lighting design in Hamburg, I had kept a cycle to travel. In fact, a large number of people in Hamburg used to ride cycles. My college was 3km away from my lodging place and I used to cycle that distance daily. In European countries, cycling is an integral part of people's lives," he says. Bhagat feels teachers should hit the pedal more than others. "Cycling for teachers is crucial. It will keep them fit and energetic. They will be able to to teach their kids in a better manner," he suggests.

Calling Chandigarh the ideal city for cycling, the CCA principal asks people to ride more and respect cyclists. "Cycle tracks should be increased and be well lit-up during the nights. Special initiatives and campaigns should be held from time to time to promote cycling," says Bhagat, who feels the need to revive the setting up of small cycle shops along the road sides as they were a point of social interaction.

FACTFILE

Denmark is one of the popular countries in the world that promotes cycling

People | 5,560,628

Bicycles | 4,500,000

Cyclists: 80.1%

In Denmark, 18% of all trips are made by cycle. The average distance cycled per person is 1.6km. Cycling is generally perceived as a healthier, cheaper, environmentally-friendlier and often even quicker way to travel around towns than car or public transport

In Copenhagen (the capital of Denmark) 37% of all citizens ride their bike on a daily basis. The local town hall even offers visitors rental bikes for free.

Average travelling speed in Copenhagen is 16kph for cyclists and 27kph for cars.

Patrick Dempsey, an American actor who played the role of Dr Shepherd in the hit series Grey's Anatomy, is a passionate cyclist. He started the Dempsey Challenge as a fund-raiser for The Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing at the Central Maine Medical Center in Maine. The Dempsey Challenge features a bike ride with distances of 10, 25, 50, 70 and 100 miles, as well as 5K and 10K running races. Dempsey participated in the 50-mile ride during the 2011 event.