Is Cycling a Hobby or Sport in India? Everything You Must Know

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Following the COVID-19 Pandemic, cycling has gained popularity in India. The most commonly asked question is, however, whether is cycling a hobby or sport in India.

Singing, writing, and dancing are all examples of hobbies that people engage in during their free time because they provide them joy and pleasure. Thus, cycling qualifies as a hobby as well.

As with other sports like hockey and cricket, you know, cycling is a sort of sport in India. Despite its advantages as both a green and cost-effective means of transportation, It has not caught i.e., cycling any popularity in India. Only a few states, namely Kerala and Karnataka, have actively promoted cycling and produced the greatest number of professional riders in the country.

How many of us know what this year’s World Bicycle Day theme is? World Bicycle Day is observed on June 3rd of each year. In 2022, the topic was “Celebrating the Originality, Diversity, and Endurance of the Bicycle: Over 200 Years of Use.”

In this article, we’ll go through the upsides and downsides of taking up cycling in India as a hobby or sport.

How Is Cycling a Hobby?

A “hobby” is anything that a person does for fun in their spare time; these activities are usually associated with happiness and satisfaction. Activities that someone enjoys doing for fun could include everything from playing sports to collecting themed goods and collectibles to creative and artistic endeavors.

So, one of the most enjoyable hobbies could be cycling. Considering that it’s an outdoor activity that can improve your mental and physical well-being. Therefore, you may choose cycling as a hobby to keep yourself physically fit and healthy while still having fun.

Advantages of Cycling as a Hobby

• When you ride a bike regularly, you employ your leg muscles for pedaling, your core and back for stability, and your arm muscles to hold yourself up while holding on to the handlebars.
• By promoting the generation of vital proteins and white blood cell stimulation, cycling strengthens the immune system.
• For low-income households, it fits within their budget.
• Using bicycles reduces emissions that contribute to climate change because they don’t rely on fossil fuels.
• By burning calories, it helps in tackling the issue of obesity.
• The “feel good” chemicals called endorphins are released when you cycle, which calms your thoughts and increases your happiness.
• Moreover, cycling assists in the treatment of serious illnesses including cancer, diabetes, obesity, arthritis, heart attacks, strokes, and so on.

Because cycling reduces the use of non-renewable resources, we can thus argue that cycling contributes to India’s sustainable development. There may be a decrease in pollutants as well, creating a more hygienic atmosphere. By taking the necessary steps to maintain our health and fitness, we can contribute immensely to the advancement of our nation.

Drawbacks of cycling as a hobby in India

• Pollution exposure: Cyclists in India may be subjected to lead, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and ground-level ozone, all of which may cause cardiac and pulmonary conditions.
• Absence of bike lanes: India has a very small number of bicycle lanes that are dangerous for inexperienced riders.
• We can’t go too far out of our route since it’s too time-consuming, and we can only go so far.
• Depending on the weather: Rainy weather increases the risk of a bicycle accident, therefore weather is the most important component. Risk of being harassed by other drivers while driving.
• Hit-and-run incidents: Riding a bicycle is not safe in India, where incidents of reckless driving and road rage are on the rise daily.
• Lack of protection for cyclists: Since the government does not offer any security for bicycles, they are readily stolen.
• Hazardous state of the roads: India’s road infrastructure is in appalling shape. Smooth roads have more gravel, puddles, and potholes. Not at all bike-friendly in any manner.
• Lack of official support for bicycles: India has no laws that provide assistance to cyclists.

Should we choose cycling as a hobby in India?

In a nation like India, where accidents are reported on television almost daily, riding a bicycle is not safe. Cyclists in India face traffic congestion since the government has not designated dedicated lanes for their use. Bullying occurs against those who ride bicycles in India since owning an expensive car has become a status symbol. India has poor road conditions, which leads to safety issues.

Many cyclists ride in the same conditions and are doing everything in order to promote cycling and its community in India. It would also be a good idea to get your bikes out and go cycling as a hobby. Things take time to change, so don’t wait for them to. Simply take your bike and head off to discover the country.

Is cycling a sport there? Cycling as a Sport

According to the Indian Cycling Federation, cycling is a recognized sport in India and is a component of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). In 2010, Mahitha Mohan emerged as the best cyclist in India.

Since 1989, the Cycling Federation of India (CFI) has worked to develop cycling as a sport in India. It occasionally holds races and cycling events on a regular basis. One must register with the Cycling Federation of India, participate in BRM competitions, and in order to get professional as a cyclist.

You can also monetize this hobby or passion of you by Developing into a professional cyclist or starting your own cycling club.

The components needed for cycling as a sport

• Helmet: To protect the head in the event of an accident. It lessens head and facial damage.
• Cycling shoe: The firmer soles of cycling shoes support the feet better during pedaling and help to reduce tiredness and cramping.
• Gloves: The hand gloves facilitate a secure grip on the handlebar.
• Cycling jacket: A cycling jacket is worn during cold or inclement weather.
• Cycling clothes: Because they help in speed enhancement, elite cyclists wear them at all times. It has padded shorts and a tight T-shirt.
• Bamboo socks: These socks are incredibly soft and include antimicrobial and antifungal qualities. Extremely successful in maintaining dry, clean, healthy, and sanitary feet.

How Can Cycling Be Promoted As A Sport or Hobby in India?

Every day that goes by, India’s levels of noise and air pollution rise. As a result, encouraging cycling is necessary to protect the environment.

• When commuting to nearby locations, people ought to utilize bicycles.
• The kids have to participate in bike competitions that are held by their individual schools.
• It is important to organize eco-friendly camps to raise awareness.
• Serious action and attention to this matter should be taken by the government.
• It is the responsibility of the relevant authorities to establish bicycle lanes.
• Bicyclists should be subject to a set of laws governing norms and restrictions.
• India’s cyclists should feel secure on the roadways, and bullying should not occur.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Cycling in India

In conclusion, is cycling a hobby or sport?

Considering the benefits of cycling and drawbacks of cycling in India, you need to make an informed decision. A coach, appropriate nutrition, and training are necessary when taking up cycling as a sport, which can be costly.

Only those who are financially stable and able to pay the costs associated with becoming an elite cyclist should pursue it as a sport. However, if you take it up as a hobby, you won’t have to spend much money and you may do it for your own development and enjoyment. It is up to you to decide!

Thank you for joining us today. Please use the comment box below to ask any questions you may have or to let us know if we missed something.

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