World Bicycle Day: Aishwarya Raj, Vikrant Massey back cycling for health and clean India
Synopsis
At the 77th Fit India Sundays on Cycle event on World Bicycle Day, actress Aishwarya Raj and actor Vikrant Massey made a joint pitch for cycling as the answer to both India's health crisis and its pollution problem — with a 20-month-old child stealing the show as the event's youngest rider.
Key Takeaways
The 77th Fit India Sundays on Cycle was held on World Bicycle Day, 7 June , in Mumbai .
Aishwarya Raj called cycling 'a symbol of a clean India' and urged youth to integrate it into their daily routines.
Vikrant Massey highlighted government incentives for cycling and its direct role in reducing carbon emissions.
Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya presided over the event, alongside boxer Nupur Sheoran and actor-model Ragini Dwivedi .
A 20-month-old child was noted as the youngest participant, symbolising early grassroots adoption of cycling culture.
On World Bicycle Day, actress Aishwarya Raj and actor Vikrant Massey joined the 77th edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle in Mumbai on 7 June, urging India's youth to make cycling a daily habit — both for personal health and environmental sustainability. The event was held in the presence of Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.
Aishwarya Raj's Call to Youth
Emphasising that cycling goes beyond physical fitness, Aishwarya Raj framed it as a civic commitment. She said, 'I would like to tell the youth that a healthy body and positive thinking are the foundation of a successful life. So, we should pay special attention to the health of our body. And today is World Bicycle Day. So the cycle is not just a symbol of a healthy body but also a symbol of a clean India. So, we should bring our daily routine on the cycle so that we can save our country from pollution. And we should take a step towards a healthy life every day.'
Vikrant Massey on Pollution and Pedalling
Vikrant Massey, known for the film Chhapaak, drew a direct line between cycling and pollution reduction, noting that government incentives are already in place to encourage the shift. He said, 'If we ride a cycle, there will be no pollution. And that is the solution to our pollution. Your health will also improve. The government is also incentivizing it. If we ride a bicycle, carbon emissions will be reduced. Health will also improve. So, I hope for this movement, especially the younger generation. Today, the youngest rider we have is a 20-month-old boy. He is not even 2 years old, but he is trying to ride a cycle. He is pedaling. It's a wonderful thing.'
Key Participants and the Fit India Movement
Alongside the two actors, Olympic boxer Nupur Sheoran and actor-model Ragini Dwivedi participated in the event. Their presence alongside Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya underscored the government's continued push to mainstream cycling under the broader Fit India Movement. This is the 77th such Sunday cycling event, reflecting a sustained, year-long campaign rather than a one-off initiative.
Why This Matters
India's urban air quality remains a pressing concern, with several cities ranking among the world's most polluted. Cycling advocacy at a national level, backed by prominent public figures and a Union Minister, signals an attempt to shift both behaviour and policy conversation. Notably, the inclusion of a 20-month-old child as the event's youngest participant was highlighted as a symbol of grassroots momentum. All eyes will now be on whether the Fit India Sundays on Cycle campaign translates into measurable uptake in cycling infrastructure and daily commuter habits across Indian cities.
Point of View
But the Fit India Sundays on Cycle campaign stands out for its consistency — 77 editions is not optics, it is institutional commitment. The real gap, however, is between visibility and infrastructure: India's cycling lanes remain sparse, unsafe, and politically low-priority in most cities. Until public figures and ministers push as hard for protected cycling corridors as they do for photo-op rides, the movement risks being a feel-good ritual rather than a structural shift in urban mobility.
NationPress
6 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fit India Sundays on Cycle?
Fit India Sundays on Cycle is a recurring government-backed cycling initiative under the Fit India Movement, designed to promote cycling as a healthy and eco-friendly commuting habit. The 77th edition was held on World Bicycle Day, 7 June, in Mumbai.
What did Aishwarya Raj say on World Bicycle Day?
Aishwarya Raj urged India's youth to incorporate cycling into their daily routines, describing the bicycle as 'not just a symbol of a healthy body but also a symbol of a clean India.' She linked regular cycling to both personal fitness and national pollution reduction.
Why did Vikrant Massey speak about cycling and pollution?
Vikrant Massey highlighted that cycling produces zero emissions and directly reduces carbon output, noting that the government is already offering incentives to encourage the shift. He expressed particular hope that the younger generation would lead this movement.
Who attended the World Bicycle Day cycling event in Mumbai?
The event was attended by actress Aishwarya Raj, actor Vikrant Massey, boxer Nupur Sheoran, and actor-model Ragini Dwivedi, and was presided over by Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.
How does cycling help reduce pollution in India?
Cycling produces no carbon emissions, making it a direct substitute for short motorised trips that contribute to urban air pollution. Advocates at the event argued that a mass shift to cycling for daily commutes could meaningfully reduce India's vehicular emissions.
