Pune: In an effort to enhance mobility for women in Kasturba Vasahat, Aundh, Parisar conducted a bicycle distribution program as part of the Pune Cycle Partnership. This initiative, aligned with Pune’s Comprehensive Bicycle Plan, aims to encourage cycling culture in the city.
The program saw 14 women receiving refurbished bicycles, donated by Pune residents, which were distributed by MLA Siddharth Shirole. Emphasizing the impact of such initiatives, Shirole remarked, “When organizations take the lead in providing mobility solutions, it creates opportunities for women in settlements and can spark a movement encouraging more women to cycle.”
Among the event’s speakers was Mangala Mahajan, a Sanskrit teacher and regular cyclist, who shared personal stories of how cycling had transformed her daily commute and how others had adopted cycling after observing her.
One of the recipients, Usha Umap, expressed her gratitude, stating, “With a bicycle, I can now consider jobs that were previously out of reach due to travel limitations.”
The Comprehensive Bicycle Plan for Pune, introduced in 2016, includes provisions for an extensive cycle track network and a public bicycle system. A key component of the plan is engaging stakeholders to promote cycling as a primary mode of transport.
Over the past two years, Parisar, with support from Praj Industries, has implemented several pilot projects under this initiative, including school-based programs, school travel safety guidelines, public cycling events, and a citywide audit of cycle tracks.
However, full-scale implementation of the bicycle plan has yet to take place. Parisar, along with organizations such as SPTM and CEE, is advocating for the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to establish an official Pune Cycle Partnership. This move would help scale up pilot interventions and integrate cycling more effectively into the city’s transportation framework.
