Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Wednesday, 3 June 2025, urged India's youth to embrace cycling as a daily habit, framing it as a pathway to better health, mental well-being and environmental sustainability, as World Bicycle Day was marked with cyclothons and awareness drives across the country — from Rajkot and Delhi to Jammu and Kashmir.

Mandaviya's appeal to the youth

In a post on X accompanied by a video message, the Union Minister made a direct pitch to young Indians to look beyond a one-day observance. ‘Cycling is not just an exercise for a day or a hobby; it reflects a healthy lifestyle. It helps keep us healthy and ensures both our mental and physical well-being. Cycling is also a sustainable option that supports environmental conservation. By adopting cycling as a habit, we can contribute to fuel conservation, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call to save fuel,' Mandaviya said.

Rajkot rolls out a community ride

In Gujarat's Rajkot, the Rajkot Cycle Club (RCC) organised a community ride to promote fitness, healthy living and environmental awareness. One long-time cyclist spoke of the activity's therapeutic value, saying he had been cycling for seven years after taking it up during a difficult period following his father's death. ‘I was deeply affected by the trauma, but then I met a group of cycling friends,' he said. Another participant, a 15-year veteran of the saddle, said he keeps a bicycle at his office to use for short errands ‘instead of a car'.

Cyclothon in Jammu and Kashmir

In Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah flagged off a cyclothon to mark the day. J&K Sports Minister Satish Sharma linked the event to a wider social message, saying, ‘We have seen the last 30 years; no enemy would have seen what we have seen… One of the biggest issues that has emerged is drugs. Keeping this theme in mind, on World Bicycle Day, we have highlighted these challenges.' Nasir Aslam, Advisor to the J&K Chief Minister, said the cyclothon followed a recent golf event and a marathon, adding that such initiatives also ‘help in promoting tourism'.

Delhi event spotlights cycling advocacy

In the national capital, BYCS hosted a World Bicycle Day gathering in Hauz Khas, drawing cycling advocates, health experts and enthusiasts. Bhairavi Joshi, CEO of the BYCS India Foundation, said, ‘More than 55 cities are connected with us through Bicycle Mayors who are working for cycling advocacy.' Jagdish Rajesh, Deputy Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and Bicycle Mayor Dilip Sabharwal also addressed participants, framing cycling as a low-cost public-health intervention.

Why the push matters

India's cycling advocacy has gained traction alongside concerns over urban air quality, sedentary lifestyles and fuel import dependence. With Bicycle Mayors now active across more than 55 cities, organisers argued that the next step is integrating cycling into daily commutes — not just observance-day rides. The events closed with a call for greater everyday adoption of bicycles, with follow-up programmes expected in the coming months.