Pedalling for Progress: The Hyderabad Cycling Revolution by Paridhi Biyani

On a bright sunny day, a driver looks out of his window and sees a cyclist on the road. The driver acknowledges the cyclist’s right to a safe commute and makes sure to follow the road rules. The driver is pleased to witness someone showing concern for the environment and pledges to contribute more actively moving forward. Now let us come back to real life, where the situation is never this perfect. Underneath the sweltering hot sun, a person in a metallic box sees a person riding their bicycle and huffs contemptuously-” A fitness freak, no doubt. Don’t they know this is a fast-moving road? They are only endangering their lives” the driver remarks. 

The cyclist, armed with protective gear and obeying all the laws, has no idea of the nuisance he has caused to the annoyed driver. As ironic as it may be, the reality is sadly disappointing. People choosing alternative and sustainable methods of transport are blamed for using the roads, while negligent motorists get away with a slap on the wrist. The people of Hyderabad have yet to acknowledge the fact that every city citizen has the right to a safe journey home. Numerous accidents concerning pedestrians and bicycle riders have occurred in our city, costing precious lives and endangering even more. 

The tragic demise of Nithin Agarwal, resulting from a drunk driving incident while cycling, served as the catalyst for the Hyderabad Cycling Revolution. Let's explore further how this movement has contributed to enhancing the safety and accessibility of Hyderabad's streets for the residents of the city of pearls.

Ravi Sambari is one of the co-founders of the Hyderabad Cycling Revolution and a core member of the Happy Hyderabad Club. A passionate environmental activist, Mr. Sambari can always be found involved in various social impact programs, especially those related to sustainable mobility.

Paridhi: How did you bring the cyclists of Hyderabad together? How did the HCR bicycling community begin?

An important characteristic of HCR is that it is not a group or community. We are a movement, for which cyclists from different groups and parts of the city come together to achieve a common goal. HCR unites us all by working towards a shared objective - to improve our city for the benefit of everyone. It inspires us to join hands and work together to bring out the best in each other.

Our first mission was to make the road safe for all who use it- drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Everybody has the right to use the road and we must learn how to share the streets, as they belong to us all. The accident involving Nithin Agarwal stirred us all into action and was the spark which brought the Hyderabad Cycling Revolution to life.

Could you please tell me more about how the Hyderabad Cycling Revolution’s activities have encouraged more people to step up and bring out their bicycles to join the movement?

Our revolutionaries come from every corner of the city to convey our needs to the government. Our main focus is connecting roads and public infrastructure to allow pedestrians and cyclists to travel safely throughout the city. Through mass public demonstrations, the Hyderabad Cycling Revolution lobbies for not only the integration of urban planning initiatives which are cyclist and pedestrian-friendly, but also advocates for legislation that promotes road safety. Since this is a shared concern among every cyclist in the city, they all come forward to help reach the collective goals of HCR.

What was the initiative taken by Hyderabad Cycling Revolution to raise awareness about civil negligence on roads and how it endangers cyclists?

HCR 1.0, which took place two years ago was to target this exact problem. The death of Nithin Agwarwal sparked this particular revolution. Cyclists from all over the city stepped up to make sure the death of their fellow cyclist was not in vain and vowed to take steps to solve the problem of drunk drivers and reckless negligence by motorists in the city. Our demands were very simple- cyclists must be seen, respected and recognized on the road. A rally of around 750 cyclists was carried out from the city’s centre to Charminar to express the need for strict action against offenders who commit vehicular crimes and stress upon the requirement for well-connected and comprehensive bicycle lanes and footpaths.

What outcomes have been achieved from the actions you've undertaken? Has the government undertaken any projects to meet the demands of the cyclists?

 Yes. The government listened to our requests and responded by building a twenty-one kilometre long cycling track beside the ORR. HCR 2.0 was a thank you from us to the government for acknowledging our needs and undertaking infrastructure projects to come up with solutions that solve the problems of every person. The gesture was intended to express our appreciation and lend support to the #WeTooShareTheRoads movement, with the aim of promoting a safer and more inclusive environment for all. HCR 2.0 takes this message further by asking the government to create more such spaces within the city as well. HCR 2.0’s aim was to fulfil the dream of many who wish to see their children and grandchildren use designated pedestrian footpaths, cycling lanes and public transport for their travel needs. We firmly believe that a city cannot be called “developed” when even a poor man owns a car, but when even the richest man chooses to use public transit over private transport.

What is the Hyderabad Cycling Revolution’s next mission? How would you like to take this movement further?

Hyderabad Cycling Revolution’s next mission is to promote Active Mobility. Active mobility encourages people to move towards a more eco-friendly, sustainable and healthy way of transportation. We want people to swap their scooters for a five-minute trip to the grocery store and walk instead. Our main goal to further this concept is to solve First Mile and Last Mile connectivity issues by pushing for bicycle-sharing systems near public transportations such as metros, bus stands and railway stations.  We want everyone to have easy access and connectivity to all forms of transport. Our request right now to every citizen is if a place is within one kilometre of your house, try to walk. If it is within a five-kilometre radius, please cycle and if it is farther than that, use public transport as far as possible. Small changes can make a big difference if we act in unison. Active Mobility is a long-term, sustainable and permanent solution to our urban city problems like pollution, traffic and drastically helps in making our city more environment friendly.

The Hyderabad Cycling Revolution epitomizes the potency of collective action and advocacy in effecting positive societal change. With unity, mobilization, and unwavering determination, HCR has redefined Hyderabad's roadmap, rendering its streets safer and more accessible for all. As the movement propels forward, it remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing active mobility as a pillar of sustainable urban development, heralding a future where cities thrive in harmony with nature and humanity.