Pune was once celebrated as a “Cycling City”, where students, professionals, and workers relied heavily on bicycles for their daily commute. The city's pleasant climate, compact geography, and cycling-friendly roads made it an ideal place for cyclists. However, with rapid urbanization, increasing motor vehicle dependency, and the decline of dedicated cycling infrastructure, Pune has drifted away from its cycling roots.

As traffic congestion and pollution continue to rise, the question remains: Can Pune restore its cycling culture, or will it remain a city dominated by motor vehicles?

The Rise and Decline of Pune’s Cycling Culture

During the 1980s and 1990s, cycling was the primary mode of transportation in Pune. Households commonly owned bicycles, and students and working professionals used them for daily commuting. Besides being economical, cycling contributed to better public health and lower carbon emissions.

However, with the rise of automobiles and two-wheelers, the city’s infrastructure became increasingly vehicle-centric. Dedicated cycling lanes disappeared due to road expansions, parked vehicles, and encroachments, leaving cyclists with unsafe and congested roads.

The Pune Smart City Bicycle Plan: A Missed Opportunity

In 2017, the Pune Smart City Bicycle Plan aimed to create 300 km of dedicated cycling tracks, positioning Pune as a model cycling city. However, despite an investment of ₹1,148 crore, the Smart City initiative was abruptly discontinued in August 2024. Currently, only 10-15 km of functional cycle tracks exist, a fraction of what was promised.

Moreover, the few remaining cycle tracks suffer from poor maintenance, encroachments by hawkers, and unauthorized parking, making them unsafe and inconvenient for cyclists.

Can Pune’s IT Sector Lead a Cycling Revival?

As an IT hub with global corporations, Pune has the potential to adopt international cycling-friendly policies. Countries like the Netherlands, Germany, and the UK promote “Cycle-to-Work” schemes, where companies incentivize employees to commute by bicycle. If Pune’s IT sector implements similar programs, it could encourage professionals to shift towards cycling, reducing traffic congestion and environmental impact.

VIR BIKE: Driving the Cycling Comeback with Innovation

Amidst Pune’s struggle to revive its cycling culture, homegrown brands like VIR BIKE are emerging as game-changers. VIR BIKE offers lightweight, high-range electric cycles designed for daily commuting, fitness enthusiasts, and environmentally conscious riders. These e-cycles provide an effortless and sustainable alternative, making cycling more practical and accessible.

Enhancing Road Safety with VAHAAN SCORE

One of the biggest challenges cyclists face in Pune is road safety. Reckless driving, the absence of dedicated lanes, and encroachments make cycling a risky endeavor. To address this, VIR BIKE has launched VAHAAN SCORE (Vahaanscore.com)—a platform that records and analyzes road safety incidents in real-time.

This initiative helps identify high-risk zones, providing data-driven insights for authorities and urban planners to improve road conditions for safer cycling. By integrating technology-driven safety solutions, VIR BIKE aims to make Pune’s roads safer for cyclists while promoting a sustainable mode of transport.

Encouraging Schools to Promote Cycling Among Students

A crucial but often overlooked aspect of Pune’s cycling revival is the involvement of schools and educational institutions. Encouraging students to cycle not only promotes physical activity but also reduces dependency on private vehicles and school buses, thereby easing road congestion. Dedicated cycling tracks for students and awareness programs can play a vital role in reshaping Pune’s transportation landscape.

Metro Connectivity: A Step in the Right Direction

A promising initiative toward sustainable commuting is Maha Metro Pune’s decision to allow bicycles on metro trains free of charge. This initiative offers a last-mile connectivity solution for cyclists. However, due to lack of awareness and convenience factors, its adoption remains low. Effective implementation and promotion could significantly boost cycling adoption in Pune.

The Failure of Public Bicycle Sharing (PBS) in Pune

Pune experimented with Public Bicycle Sharing (PBS) to provide rental bicycles for commuters. However, poor infrastructure, lack of maintenance, and inadequate connectivity led to its failure. If Pune is to successfully reintroduce public bicycle-sharing services, authorities must address past challenges, ensure long-term accessibility, and maintain the infrastructure efficiently.

The Future: Will Pune Choose Bicycles Over Cars?

Pune now stands at a turning point. Will it reclaim its cycling-friendly identity, or will it remain burdened by traffic congestion and pollution?

To successfully revive cycling, Pune needs:

• Infrastructure Overhaul – Properly planned and well-maintained cycling lanes, free from encroachments.

• Corporate Participation – IT companies promoting cycle-to-work schemes with incentives.

• Smart City 2.0 – A revival of sustainable transport plans with better execution.

• School & College Engagement – Encouraging students to cycle through dedicated tracks and awareness programs.

• E-Cycle Revolution – Adoption of electric cycles like VIR BIKE for better accessibility and convenience.

• Public Awareness & Community Engagement – Organizing cycling events, awareness drives, and support groups.

• Safety & Data-Driven Policies – Leveraging VAHAAN SCORE to enhance road safety for cyclists.

Pune possesses the history, geography, and potential to become a cycling city once again. With innovative policies, corporate backing, and sustainable transport solutions, Punekars have the opportunity to pedal towards a cleaner, healthier future.

The question is—are we ready for the change?