Cycling for daily commute can help ease traffic in Dehradun: Experts
Aug 23, 2026, 10.29 PM IST
Dehradun: Greater use of bicycles for daily travel could help ease traffic congestion in Dehradun, experts said at the National Cycling Conclave 2026 held in the city on Sunday.
Organised by Pahadi Pedallers, the conclave brought together members of the cycling community from Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, West Bengal and Maharashtra, along with representatives from the administration, police, army and environmental and social sectors. Participants ranged in age from seven to 87.
The conclave focused on the changing nature of cycling in India and ways to build a long-term cycling culture, with discussions also centred on encouraging younger people to take up cycling.
Organisers said the cycling community in Dehradun had grown over the past year, with around two to three cycling events now being held every month across Uttarakhand. Weekly rides focused on heritage and knowledge-sharing are also being organised, while participation among women and youth has increased.
“Over the past few years, India has witnessed a rise in community-led cycling events, long-distance cycling, govt initiatives and private sector involvement. Efforts are being made to link cycling with fitness and public participation. Participation from the corporate sector is also on the rise, suggesting an increasing scope of cycling as an activity,” said Gajender Ramola, founder of Pahadi Pedallers.
A key proposal at the conclave was to establish cycling clubs in schools and universities from 2027, beginning in Dehradun and later expanding the initiative nationally. The clubs would aim to help students develop an understanding of cycling and make it a regular habit rather than limit it to recreation or competition, Ramola said.
“The objective of this initiative extends beyond merely encouraging students to ride bicycles. The goal is to cultivate an understanding of cycling and a habit of regular practice from a young age, ensuring that cycling does not remain limited to just recreation or competition in the long run. We hope to link cycling with administration, civic engagement, the environment, youth development and urban life,” he said.
Social activist Anoop Nautiyal said greater public participation in cycling could encourage the govt to create better facilities for cyclists. “A greater shift towards cycling once we have overcome the urban challenges can alleviate traffic congestion in the city,” he said.
Shailendra Negi, ADM, Tehri, said “the govt planned to develop cycling spaces in several small towns” and expressed hope that these would soon become a reality. He said work was also underway on a cycling circuit connecting Tehri to Dehradun.
Organised by Pahadi Pedallers, the conclave brought together members of the cycling community from Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, West Bengal and Maharashtra, along with representatives from the administration, police, army and environmental and social sectors. Participants ranged in age from seven to 87.
The conclave focused on the changing nature of cycling in India and ways to build a long-term cycling culture, with discussions also centred on encouraging younger people to take up cycling.
Organisers said the cycling community in Dehradun had grown over the past year, with around two to three cycling events now being held every month across Uttarakhand. Weekly rides focused on heritage and knowledge-sharing are also being organised, while participation among women and youth has increased.
“Over the past few years, India has witnessed a rise in community-led cycling events, long-distance cycling, govt initiatives and private sector involvement. Efforts are being made to link cycling with fitness and public participation. Participation from the corporate sector is also on the rise, suggesting an increasing scope of cycling as an activity,” said Gajender Ramola, founder of Pahadi Pedallers.
A key proposal at the conclave was to establish cycling clubs in schools and universities from 2027, beginning in Dehradun and later expanding the initiative nationally. The clubs would aim to help students develop an understanding of cycling and make it a regular habit rather than limit it to recreation or competition, Ramola said.
“The objective of this initiative extends beyond merely encouraging students to ride bicycles. The goal is to cultivate an understanding of cycling and a habit of regular practice from a young age, ensuring that cycling does not remain limited to just recreation or competition in the long run. We hope to link cycling with administration, civic engagement, the environment, youth development and urban life,” he said.
Social activist Anoop Nautiyal said greater public participation in cycling could encourage the govt to create better facilities for cyclists. “A greater shift towards cycling once we have overcome the urban challenges can alleviate traffic congestion in the city,” he said.
Shailendra Negi, ADM, Tehri, said “the govt planned to develop cycling spaces in several small towns” and expressed hope that these would soon become a reality. He said work was also underway on a cycling circuit connecting Tehri to Dehradun.