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Cycling picking up speed in city during pandemic

By ABINASH KALITA

GUWAHATI, Sept 12 - Cycling has emerged as one of the most popular outdoor activities in the city as people started realising the significance of keeping fit and healthy in the time of COVID-19 pandemic.

Cycling groups here said there is a sharp rise in the number of cyclists, particularly among individuals above 30 years of age.

Cyclists could be seen during morning and evening hours at Uzanbazar, Saukuchi near the hockey stadium and at Dighalipukhuri area, among others.

�There is a 100 per cent increase in the demand for bicycles in the city during the pandemic. The sale of cycles has more than doubled. As a result, shops are unable to meet the demand as there is a demand-supply gap,� said Monti Roshan of Track & Trail at Ambari.

As commuting became difficult due to inadequate transport facilities, many people are buying bicycles with modern features priced between Rs 5,000 and Rs 15,000 for long-distance rides.

�After partial lockdown restrictions came into effect, people started preferring bicycles for day-to-day travel and stay fit. The hike in fuel prices is another factor that encouraged people to buy bicycles,� said Iftikar Hussain, owner of Track & Trail. The sales have gone up to more than Rs 15 lakh per month for each shop.

�We are selling almost double the number every day since our shop opened in May. Unlike in pre-COVID times when we used to sell 2-3 bicycles in a day, we are now selling 6-8 bicycles daily. The number could have been more if we have sufficient stock,� said Bikash Sah, an employee of Gear Up shop at VIP Road.

The outlet has brands like Sun Cross, Frog, Scott Sports and Bergamont bicycles.

�Mostly individuals aged above 40 years are preferring bicycles. They opt for bicycles mainly to remain fit and healthy. We have seen that cycling has also becoming popular among youngsters, which is a very good sign,� he added. Hero bicycles also witnessed a rise in sales at Jonali here but the supply remains limited. People are not only buying bicycles but they are also purchasing protective gears.

�More than 80 per cent people who bought bicycles from our shops also buys protective gears,� said Prakash Shahi, manager of Gear Up shop.

As the cycling community gets bigger by the day, there is a need for dedicated lanes for the cyclists in the city.

�The authorities concerned should take steps to promote cycling in the city,� Shahi added.

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