It was a cleaner, greener Sunday all around as Mumbai’s cycling enthusiasts painted a healthy green message for the city. The usually crowded streets of Bandra saw a comeback of the most eco-friendly and healthy mode of transport — the bicycle. Pedal pushers from all walks of life, including amateur cyclists, cycling enthusiasts, working professionals, housewives and school children, came together to promote the cause of cycling for fitness and for the environment. The cyclothon also saw the government and the corporate world join hands to roll the wheels of change.

Colour and enthusiasm marked the event as thousands of Mumbaites united in the cause. Adding to the excitement at the event was Bollywood star Salman Khan, a keen cyclist himself, raising funds for his foundation Being Human.

The day also saw another landmark event — the launch of Tour de Mumbai, India's first-ever international cycling race. Planned along the lines of the Tour de France, the prestigious annual French international bicycle race, and governed by International Cycling Union regulations, the Tour de Mumbai started off very well, with the top 13 professional cycling teams in the world competing. Some of the biggest names from the world of cycling — Stuart O' Grady, Brad McGee, Baden Cooke, Scott McGory and Jan Kirsipu — competed on Indian roads for top honours. The Indian national cycling team participating in the Commonwealth Games was also present.

The Tata way
With its long-standing belief in improving the quality of life of the communities it serves, the Tata group promoted the India Cyclothon-Mumbai 2010 and Tour de Mumbai events as an effective and active platform to help raise awareness about the importance of a clean environment and healthy living.

By reaching out to youngsters through the Tata Kids' ride — India’s biggest organised bike ride for children between the ages of 8 and 13 — the Tata group focused on motivating the city’s youngsters towards cycling for fitness and for the environment. More than 700 children cycled a distance of 2km at 7.30 in the morning wearing Tata climate change T-shirts with the message ‘Grey to Green’.

Prasad Menon, the managing director of Tata Power who flagged off the Tata Kids' ride, was all praise for the children. “The energy, enthusiasm and excitement among these young ambassadors of good health and clean environment is heartening,” he said. “We believe that it is important to raise awareness and empower our children to make informed choices that impact their health and the environment. The Tata Kids' ride was a fun-filled initiative that educated and sensitised them to adopt healthy lifestyles. We are happy with the overwhelming response received for the event and our association with the cyclothon.”

Nine-year-old Shreyash Singh from Maneckji Cooper, who enjoys riding his bicycle with his friends, was excited about completing the course, and said, “It was fun cycling with so many other children.” He is looking forward to participating again next year.  

Green cycles
The cyclothon witnessed over 7,000 people participating across six categories: Amateur ride (24km); Corporate / group ride (24km); Green ride (12km); Kids' ride (2km); National elite race (50km); and International elite race (100km). Mukund Rajan, managing director, Tata Teleservices (Maharashtra), was part of the presentation for winners of the International elite race.

The event provided amateur riders the opportunity to cycle along Mumbai’s newest landmark — the Bandra-Worli sea link. Excited spectators clapped and cheered as the participants sped by, celebrating the message ‘Burn fat, not fuel’.

Among the cyclists were over 200 dabbawalas, who wheeled down the Bandra-Worli sea link in their uniform of white kurta-pyjama and topi.

More than 80 employees from across Tata companies participated in spreading the message of good health and a clean environment.

“It was a one-of-a-kind experience and I am proud that the Tatas are associated with this participative healthy green drive. I would love to cycle to office every day if the government provides proper infrastructure and ‘cycling lanes’ for a safe and healthy ride,” said Vinay Krishnan, Tata Consulting Engineers.

Another enthusiastic participant, Vishal Jhunjhunwala from Tata Consultancy Services, said, “Events like the cyclothon promote the spirit of a healthy active lifestyle among Mumbaikars. It was a refreshing experience raising awareness and heralding a clean green healthy movement in our city. Moreover, cycling can be an inclusive family sport. By encouraging outdoor activity, it can allow members to bind and indulge in adventure sports, leading to healthy lifestyles.”