Cyclist Representational image: PHOTO: AFP
Cycling is picking up momentum in the city during the prevailing lockdown when a number of bicyclists can be seen around different corners in groups enjoying the free space on roads. Saad Muddasir, who was riding his bicycle alongside a park on Faisal Avenue said: “it has become our routine that we all the friends move on our bicycles wearing safety kits after Iftar time and enjoy rides till late night.”
He said in our hectic study routine, we never even thought of going outside on bicycles for such long hours due to the heavy traffic on the roads and time limitations. But now we are utilising this opportunity and taking maximum rides these days before the temperatures go up at peak summer season.
Illyas Khan, a businessman who regularly visits Margalla Road with his whole family on their bicycles said, since the closure of businesses due to the prevailing lockdown, “I am spending quality time with my family at home but physical exercise is necessary for the children.”
All family members move outside on their bicycles to keep engaged in some healthy activity taking advantage of the less traffic and pollution-free atmosphere, he said.
A foreign woman working at a mission said she used to ride her bicycle at the cycling track alongside the Constitution Avenue daily in the evening. “however, these days I enjoy cycling on streets, it feels good and is safe too due to negligible traffic.”
She said it is difficult to remain confined to home for the whole day during the lockdown and give up all sorts of physical activities.
Having a walk, jog or cycle ride, with all due precautions, was necessary for physical and mental health, she said.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 4th, 2020.
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