Cycling enthusiast Sudarshan, fondly called Sudu, believes a ride together can turn strangers into friends, and friends into family.That spirit lies at the heart of Velokofi, a 700-member cycling community that has become one of B’luru’s most active riding groups. Beyond the cycle rides, the community focuses on bringing people together and creating a sense of belonging.“In May, we had 7Kaapi100Milee, an annual meet and greet event where members could bring along their family and friends, let them take part in fun rides, and network. Around 1,400 people attended the event,” says the IT professional, who lives in Basavanagudi.What started as a riding group has evolved into a vibrant ecosystem that includes amateur cyclists, racers, endurance riders, event organisers, bike mechanics and bicycle shop owners.Across B’luru, cycling communities are attracting riders of all ages and backgrounds. Fitness is a major draw, but these groups increasingly serve as platforms for learning, mentorship, advocacy, and community engagement. Through weekend rides, skill workshops and public campaigns, they help popularise cycling as both a recreational activity and a practical mode of transport.Tandava Poppuri, a senior director in Dell Technologies, who began cycling to reduce his commute time, is now part of half a dozen cycling communities, including Bike2Work, and Bangalore Whitefield Cycling Club (BWCC), a weekend recreational club, even undertaking a Manali to Leh tour. During the Covid-19 pandemic, he joined Relief Riders and participated in relief efforts, delivering essentials via bicycle. And now he has taken up randonneuring (timed endurance rides), and is a member of Brookefield Randonneurs.More than just riding“Being part of a cycling community offers much more than just companionship during rides,” notes Yashhaswini of Malleshwara Cyclists and Fitness Club. Through the group, cyclists gain practical knowledge about bicycle maintenance, choosing the right gear, safety equipment, riding posture, hydration, and handling long-distance rides. They also learn to handle minor repairs, such as fixing punctures, adjusting brakes, and tuning gears.”Yashhaswini recalls a challenging ride at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) campus in Bangalore University, where varying terrain, slopes, and endurance cycling pushed participants beyond their personal limits. “What made it truly special was seeing riders from different age groups encouraging each another and completing the ride together. It showed that cycling is not just about speed or endurance, it is about persistence, teamwork, and overcoming barriers,” she says.A community of women cyclistsFor many women, cycling communities offer something more than fitness — freedom. Eight years ago, a small group of women began riding together on B’luru’s streets. They had little idea that the initiative would grow into Spokes Women, an all-woman cycling community.“Today, it has become a community where women learn, fall, laugh, heal and ride again. We’ve seen grandmothers learn to ride at 60 and women return to cycling after 30 years away from the sport,” says Vidya Chandran, 52, founder o f Spokes Women.Pedalling for changeSome cycling communities are extending their focus beyond recreation to advocate for systemic change and infrastructure.Cyclists in B’luru face significant safety challenges due to the absence of dedicated lanes. While Jayanagar saw a painted lane in 2012, it was quickly obstructed by parked cars. The ORR pop-up lane during the pandemic offered just a brief respite. Unlike cities such as Chennai and Delhi, B’luru is yet to adopt a Non-Motorised Transport Policy, leaving cyclists vulnerable on city roads, says Faizan Ahmed, 31, who rides with Velo Saga, a group that advocates for dedicated, protected lanes.The ban on carrying bicycles on public transport limits necessitates robust docked bikeshare systems at stations. A proposed initiative for 6,000 cycles and 350 docks, intended to address this, unfortunately, failed to gain traction.Sathya Sankaran and Susheel Nair, co-founders of Pedaluru, lead citizen-driven campaigns, encouraging people to use cycles for short distances, with the aim of easing congestion and addressing a culture of heavy reliance on personal motorised vehicles. Sathya is also part of a bicycle mayor network across the globe. “We are changemakers trying to bring attention to cycling as a sustainable mobility mode for congested and large cities,” explains Sathya.Infrastructure and political will are essential to make our cities cyclist-friendly, says Susheel. “Pedaluru is actively trying to build both, by working with communities and policymakers. We are trying to build a community of cyclists who can create a public demand for better infrastructure and safer streets; and give policymakers the civic backing to act on it,” he says.Tragically, over half of B’luru’s 923 road accident fatalities in 2023 involved vulnerable road users like pedestrians and those on two-wheelers, including cyclists.Pedaluru offers a platform for cyclists to come together, share their stories, and the challenges they face. “Our goal is simple: by 2029, cycling should be as normal in B’luru as taking an auto.” says Sathya.
