On World Bicycle Day, irony rides through Ludhiana’s streets. The city, celebrated as India’s cycle capital with nearly 5,000 manufacturing units, produces millions of bicycles each year. Yet its own residents hesitate to pedal on congested and potholed roads, deprived of safe cycling tracks. The paradox is stark: Cycles built for the world but unsafe for the city’s own people.
Currently, Ludhiana has only two dedicated tracks, one along the Sidhwan Canal and another inside Rakh Bagh, both designed for leisure, not commuting. The much-hyped Smart City Mission track on Malhar Road has been completely taken over by vehicles. What was meant for cyclists, now functions as a parking lot, with showrooms even running valet services directly on the track.
Other proposals have faltered. A plan for tracks in Focal Point for labourers collapsed while another from Dugri to South City never took off. Residents and cycling groups say the administration’s apathy has left enthusiasts stranded.
“It is shocking to see that the cycle track on Malhar Road has been converted to a parking space by shopkeepers and the authorities have turned a blind eye towards it,” said Harpreet Kaur, a cycle enthusiast. “Parents are not willing to send their children on cycles as roads are unsafe,” says Ranjodh Singh of the Ludhiana Pedallers Club. “New colonies should not be passed till they have cycling tracks. There is space along Ferozepur Road but nobody is paying attention.”
Industry leaders echo the concern. Onkar Singh Pahwa, CMD of Avon Cycles, points out that while kids’ fancy cycles dominate sales, demand for gear cycles remains low as city roads are unworthy of them. “Overseas markets thrive on gear cycles as they have infrastructure,” he adds.
DS Chawla, former president of the UCPMA, insists that the government must promote cycling and create infrastructure. “Roadster cycles account for only 25–30 per cent of production, supplied largely through government tenders for female students under school schemes,” he explains. For young residents, the absence of safe tracks is disheartening. Viren, a Class X student, says he loves cycling but his parents forbid him from riding on city roads. “The only option left is Punjab Agricultural University but even that requires a pass,” he laments.
Older residents recall the past. Rakesh Kumar, a city resident, reflects: “Cycling has never been just about fitness. It is about freedom and joy. I used to go to school on a cycle but today I am afraid to send my children the same way. We need dedicated tracks as available in Chandigarh.”