By Heather Cecilia PhanwarWillie Gordon Suting
If one notices cyclists zooming between cars in heavy traffic in the city, it shows a sign of change.
For bicycles seem to be a wiser option for many citizens these days.
From growing awareness on environment and healthy lifestyle to dodging the serpentine queues of vehicles on city roads, the reasons why many Shillongites, particularly youths, are taking to bicycles are manifold.
Cycling as a preferred mode of transport means one less car on the road and of course, to be “lifted definitively away on the winds”, as Ernesto Che Guevara described it in his motorcycle diaries.
Sagar Das, a carefree soul, loves the “natural breeze” on his face while riding. “I usually ride my bike to the gym or if I have to shop something for home. I use the car/taxi when I go roaming with my friends because my friends do not like riding cycle,” says the 17-year-old student whose real inspiration comes from a fictional character in a Netflix series.
“The character rides his cycle to school and all his friends have cars,” says Das as he proudly shows his bike. He wants to continue this habit despite the strenuous uphill rides.
Like Das, Dondor Kharmalki too rides to “freshen up and enjoy nature”.
“Nowadays we are always caught up with work that we rarely have time to do anything. Cycling has helped me unwind and enjoy the road wherever it takes me,” says Kharmalki, who started cycling mainly to stay fit. For him, the four walls of a state-of-the-art gymnasium do not seem to be right option.
In fact, several health-conscious citizens are turning to bicycles to keep lifestyle diseases at bay as well as to stay in shape.
Kharmalki, who also goes on long and adventurous rides with a group of cyclists by the Pedalling Gears, says regular cycling has really helped him for his endurance level and stamina have increased. “I never thought I would be able to ride for 80 km at one go. I thought it was possible only with some fuel power,” he laughs.
Cycling has also “cured” 42-year-old Ubahunlang Dkhar Tmar’s gout. It helps Munrison Mylliemngap cope with multiple illnesses. “Ever since I started cycling, the change became palpable. I find time from my busy schedule to cycle with friends. I am happy as it helps me recover,” says the 54-year-old businessman.
The encouragement is also coming from prominent figures like Arunkumar Kembhavi, Director C&RD and former deputy commissioner of West Khasi Hills. Kembhavi, during his stay in the district, was often seen riding to office. Some educational institutes are also encouraging students to take up riding by opening parking space for bicycles and holding bikers’ events.
In Shillong especially, bicycles are the best mode of transport, closely observing traffic conditions through the years, feels Pyniarlang Lyngdoh Nongbri.
“It is pointless to purchase a car in Shillong. Commuting is practical with a bicycle as I reach work in time,” says Nongbri who teaches at St Anthony’s College.
For Nixon Kharbithai, cycling reminds him of childhood.
Kharbithai says he suffered from obesity that prompted him to start cycling in 2016. Now the 34-year-old feels rejuvenated and confident. “It is the best form of cardio exercise that takes me to places with minimum effort,” he says.
As the age-old mode of transport does not add to the carbon count or sound pollution, cycling is the best way to “explore beauty and enjoy the city’s serpentine roads overlooking colonial era Assam-type structures in parts of the city”.
Tmar, an assistant professor at St Mary’s College, sees cycling as a social, non-threatening hobby. His monthly petrol expense of Rs 200 riding his scooter is instead being saved.
Tmar takes 15 minutes to commute from his home in Rynjah to the college. He believes cycling can bring people together creating friendship.
With the growing popularity of bicycles, high-end brands are making way into Shillong market.
Cyclists of the city with a passion for fitness and adventure are now going for imported sports bicycles. These bicycles manufactured with high quality components do come expensive but the utility and functionality levels are beneficial and important.
Gone are the days when youths went for Indian companies like Hero. With large scale distribution, international brands like Fugi, Fomas and Bergamont are making an impact.
Nongbri owns a Montra Fixie that he bought in 2013 and has been riding to his college from home in Mawroh since then. “It takes a mere 19 minutes.”
Pro-Cycling Shop at Laitumkhrah established in 2016 has been making waves. The proprietor, Iankupar Diengdoh, completed a crash course from Bike School Asia, Singapore. The basics of mechanics and assembling were taught in the institute.The shop has come as a boon to local cyclists. Prices range from Rs 13,000 onwards to Rs 1 lakh for professional cycles.
“We are seeing change of perceptions as people understand that quality cycles are beneficial for recreational activity,” says Diengdoh. The shop riding on success in these recent years also provides servicing and sale of accessories and gear.
Bit Kharmalki says those who plan to start cycling should not be too worried about “buying the costly 40k plus cycles”, even though expensive bikes are a lot better. “It should not be a barrier to start cycling with a bicycle something in the price range of Rs 10,000 which will serve the purpose of beginners.”
Some enthusiasts in the city are taking cycling as a serious sport. Banshanlang Khyllait and Aakash Joshi have pushed their strength and stamina levels taking part in various competitions. Khyllait won third position in Decathlon 2014 with 40 km distance covered. In the first edition of Green Paddle Competition, judges acknowledged him as best performer from Meghalaya. He won second position in its second edition. Joshi, a BA student of Umshyrpi College, won third position in Triathlon Competition.
“Me and Khyllait push ourselves physically to be in top form,” says Joshi. Both will be participating in Epic 17K in Sikkim, where they have to cover 330 km in four days. The competition comprises different stages.
Despite the enthusiasm and changing mindset, some genuine problems remain for cyclists in the city. With limited road infrastructure, there is no separate lane for cycles, often making it a dangerous ride. Considering the rise in accident cases in the city, many people often see cycling as unsafe. The bicycle’s slim frame makes it fragile in being hit by cars. But Kembhavi believes drivers are now considerate to cyclists. “When I signal for a left or right, they actually stop behind me so that I could pass. If one is aware of one’s surroundings, it is safe to cycle in Shillong,” he says.
Kharmalki feels Shillong needs a safe place to lock cycles, otherwise rides can be taken to only places where it can be taken along side by side or to a place where a known person resides.
“I wish the roads were bigger but that’s understandably not possible with cars not having enough place for themselves. The only thing the government can do to promote cycling is to provide proper parking spaces even if a minimal parking fee has to be paid as long as it serves the purpose,” he says.
Das seconds the suggestion. “People who think car is safer are right but it is not safe for the next generation. Due to car there is pollution which will not harm the earth now but later in the future which is dangerous for our children. The government should make a rule that every school should have buses for students so that there is less traffic. And there should be many cycling events in the city,” he adds.
Kembhavi informs that the government will make a concept note on urban cycling. It is proposing changes in the urban infrastructure to have dedicated cycling lane, cycling stations and rent-a-bike service. Feedback will be taken from students in colleges and also office-goers. “We want cycling to be a habit of the heart, which will also solve traffic problems. And with the Smart City tag, Shillong can learn from other urban cities,” he says.
Shillong is an urban space that is growing and developing by leaps and bounds. But with urbanisation comes a consequence, for the number of cars increases every month. Cycling is a boon if one takes it as a functional form of commuting. Its practical aspect is environment-friendly and beneficial for health.
All you need is the will to change gears and hop on a cycle, make a group on WhatsApp, set a destination, wear your helmet and hit the road, is the candid suggestion from Das.