Indore: Ensuring that he minimises his bio-footprint, 26-year-old software engineer Ishwar Arya cycles for short distances and uses bus for the long ones. Though he can afford private conveyance, he stays away from them for one cannot afford to pollute the air. Growing up in Shopur, MP, he has always been close to nature.
Talking about his love for cycling, Ishwar said “There is no better way to stay connected to the environment than cycling. Cycling is a great way to keep our heart healthy and for someone like me, who has always been sporty, cycling is bliss.”
He has been an active table tennis player and participated in several state level competitions, representing his school and college.
Sharing how he discovered cycling, Ishwar said “Last year in October I had attended an event where I got to cycle and that was it. I fell in love with cycling and bought my cycle ‘Monster’ on Oct 24, 2016 and have been cycling since then. He explained that cycling boosts his metabolism as well as the heath of environment.
“I cycle for an hour every morning, before catching the bus to my office,” Ishwar said. However, he misses having dedicated cycle track and stands in the city that discourages cyclists like him to paddle on city roads.
“We cannot cycle on the main road, as it is risky with cars and bikes speeding by our side. I think we need protected cycle lanes on main roads of the city,” Ishwar said. Having lived in Karnataka, he feels Indore’s roads and traffic mannerisms needs improvement.
Council members approve grant for cycle track
City Council members unanimously approved a grant from the Walton Family Foundation to construct a cycle track along Old Wire between Ash Street and Gulley Park. The $1.36 million 50/50 matching grant will also help pay for bicycle signals at Township Street, safety markings at other intersections, a concrete buffer between the street and other elements. The grant is payable in two instalments. The first will come after acquisition of space is complete, and the second after 50 per cent completion of the construction.
