KALYAN: The death of local businessman Shrinivas Tandle, a cycling enthusiast, who was struck by a speeding car, allegedly driven by a minor boy, while he was riding his cycle on Kalyan Ring Road on Tuesday, has triggered widespread outrage among residents and fitness enthusiasts who frequent the route. On Thursday, cyclists, runners and residents gathered at the site to pay tribute, demanding urgent safety measures. Once regarded as a safe and vibrant stretch for morning walks, cycling and fitness activities, the Ring Road is now increasingly being seen as a high-risk zone, with reckless driving and unchecked speeding. Members of various cycling groups such as Kalyan Cyclist Group and BikePort Cyclists described a troubling pattern: the road has become a hotspot for young riders and drivers treating it like a racetrack, often exceeding speeds of 100kmph. Evening hours, in particular, see a spike in stunt riding and dangerous driving behaviour. Cyclist Dr Rahnuma Ehteshamuddin said the community would press for immediate safety measures such as police barricading, installation of speed breakers and deployment of speed detection cameras. “This road was once ideal for cyclists and walkers, but the increasing instances of rash driving have made it extremely risky,” he said.Echoing similar concerns, international cyclists and runner Dilip Ghadge said the incident has created fear among cyclists, with many families now discouraging their members from using the road. Police said the minor boy has been produced before the juvenile court and sent to a remand home. A case has also been registered against his mother, in whose name the vehicle is registered, and further action is likely. DCP Atul Zende said immediate steps are being taken to prevent further mishaps. “Barricading work has already started at the spot, and a police outpost will soon be set up,” he said.Police have also conducted medical tests of the 16-year-old minor boy to find out if he was drunk; his reports are awaited.
