In India, cycling transcends being merely a primary mode of transportation. It plays a crucial role in fostering economic growth, facilitating the swift delivery of essential goods and medicines, and connecting with communities in need.
The profound bond between bicycles and the people of India traces its roots back to November 21, 1963. It was on this historic day that India accomplished the remarkable feat of launching the subcontinent’s inaugural sounding rocket. This achievement was made possible by the resourcefulness and resilience of the Indian people, who transported rocket parts and payloads from one location to another using bicycles.
The National Family Health Survey (NFHS) conducted in 1998-99 revealed that approximately 47.8 percent of the population in India owned bicycles, while a mere 1.6 percent of families owned cars. However, by 2005-06, there was a noticeable increase in these figures. The survey indicated that 56.5 percent of individuals were bicycle owners, while the percentage of car owners rose to 2.8 percent during that period. This data reflects the growing popularity and accessibility of bicycles as a means of transportation in India, highlighting their significance in the country’s mobility landscape.
As of 2022, the percentage of families owning bicycles in India has remained relatively stable at around 55 percent. However, there has been a significant increase in the number of families owning cars, which now stands at 8 percent, according to the available data.
Among the states in India, West Bengal has emerged as the frontrunner with the highest proportion of bicycle-owning households, reaching an impressive 83 percent. In Bihar, approximately 69 percent of families own bicycles. While Andhra Pradesh has a lower percentage of households owning bicycles, around 34 percent, it compensates with a higher ownership rate of scooters or motorcycles, with more than 52 percent of families owning these motorized two-wheelers.
These statistics illustrate the varying preferences and transportation patterns across different states in India, with bicycles remaining a popular choice for mobility in some regions while motorized two-wheelers gain prominence in others.
Cycling provides numerous benefits that address some of our most urgent climate and equity challenges. According to the World Economic Forum, here are a few key advantages of bicycling:
- Sustainable Transportation: Cycling is an environmentally friendly mode of transportation, producing zero emissions and reducing carbon footprint. It helps combat air pollution, congestion, and the negative impacts of motorized vehicles on the environment.
- Improved Health and Well-being: Regular cycling promotes physical fitness, cardiovascular health, and overall well-being. It is a form of exercise that is accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels, contributing to a healthier population.
- Enhanced Equity and Accessibility: Bicycles are affordable and require minimal infrastructure, making them an inclusive transportation option for individuals from various socio-economic backgrounds. Cycling provides access to education, employment, and essential services, particularly for those with limited mobility or living in marginalized communities.
- Economic Benefits: The cycling industry stimulates economic growth, creating jobs in bicycle manufacturing, sales, maintenance, and associated services. It also reduces healthcare costs by promoting an active lifestyle and minimizing the burden of sedentary diseases.
- Efficient Use of Space: Bicycles take up significantly less space on roads and in parking areas compared to cars, enabling efficient use of urban infrastructure and reducing the demand for parking spaces.
- Community Building: Cycling fosters social interaction and community engagement. It promotes a sense of belonging, strengthens neighborhood bonds, and creates opportunities for active participation in local initiatives.
By harnessing the power of cycling, we can address environmental concerns, promote health and well-being, improve accessibility, boost economies, and build more sustainable and equitable societies.