From east, west, north, south, 1500 Hyd cyclists pedal to celebrate new cycling track

Hyderabad: Nearly 1,500 cyclists from different parts of the city participated in the Hyderabad Cycling Revolution 2.0 on Sunday morning. From Uppal in the east to Gachibowli in the west, from TSPA junction in the south to Suchitra in the north, hundreds of cyclists traveled from all directions of Hyderabad and rendezvoused at the Durgam Cheruvu Cable Bridge.

This is the second edition of the Hyderabad Cycling Revolution. The first event was organised in February this year with the aim to enable the public to understand that cyclists, too, share the city roads. Around 350 people had participated in the first event.

"One of the main reasons for organising this event today is to express gratitude towards the state government. The foundation for the cycle track has been laid and by next year, Hyderabad will have a 23-km solar cycle track," Bicycle Mayor of Hyderabad Santhana Selvan said.

The proposed cycle track would run for 8.5 km between Nanakramguda and the Telangana State Police Academy (TSPA) and 14.5 km between Narsingi and Kollur. The ORR service road between the main carriageway and the city-side service road will be used for the cycle track.

The pilot project, which is being carried out near the city's IT corridor, is expected to benefit a large number of bicycle users who ride to work.

"In addition to this, the event was also held to spread awareness regarding active mobility. Laying cycle tracks is not the end solution. There needs to be better public transport and also better footpaths. Walking, cycling and public transport are the permanent sustainable solution for the climate crisis," Selvan said.

"Through this event, we hope more people get encouraged to take up cycling, not just as a hobby but as a means for daily commutation," he added.

Formula-E car unveiled

Special chief secretary (urban development) Arvind Kumar also participated in the cycle rally. On the occasion, he unveiled a 'Formula-E' car (electric) on Durgam Cheruvu Cable Bridge. The car will be put up on display on Tank Bund road on Sunday noon.

The race will be held on a 2.37-km track around Hussain Sagar Lake, the circuit goes around the Secretariat Complex and through Lumbini Park, forming a loop.

In January 2022, the state government and Formula E officials had signed a letter of intent (LOI) to host the race in Hyderabad with 'Ace Urban Race' as the promoting partner along with the International Automobile Federation (FIA).

Formula E is an electric-powered single-seater championship that started in 2014 and was granted World Championship status by the FIA during the seventh season in 2020-21. Unlike Formula One, which is hosted in purpose-built circuits, Formula E, also known as E-prix, races are held on street circuits, thereby promoting electric mobility and taking racing to the fans.

With this, Hyderabad will become the only city from India and one among the 13 cities across the globe to host Formula E racing.