Importance of cycle in modern times

Cycle is the first marvel of technology to which I got introduced in my childhood. It was quite a dream for me to have my own bicycle and same is the case for many others. In retrospective, I feel that it was so because getting to ride a cycle was like the first step towards independence. So, when I finally got my cycle at an appropriate age, the next step was learning to ride it. It was all about balance. Now, when I ride any two wheeler, balancing seems such a trivial thing, but back then it was quite hard. It was a skill that I acquired over a period of weeks. Then, cycling became a way for me to socialise with my colony friends. It was also the most commonly used means of transport until I started my graduation.

Growing up, I realised various positive aspects of cycling. Some of them are:

• The health benefits of cycling are insane. It is one of the best cardiovascular exercise one can do. It’s also a great stress and anxiety buster.
• In present times when we are spending a major chunk of our time, connected to screens, it is an escape and helps us to connect to nature.
• Cycling can be taken up as a sport. It’s even a part of the Ironman triathlon.
• It is the most suitable means of transportation in congested areas and when travelling to nearby places. Its maintenance cost is also really low.
• Mountain biking is altogether a completely different experience. Just the imagination of riding a bicycle on hilly terrain excites me. It’s also a test of one’s fitness level. Surely wanna try it when I am that fit.

In this modern age when electric cars have become a reality, cycle still holds it place. I think it went out of relevance for the last couple of years. Recently, with the lockdown imposed due to Coronavirus and the gyms being closed, many people took to cycling as their daily exercise. I believe, gradually more individuals will take up cycling. Who knows it might again become a popular means of transportation in the near future.