Every year on June 3rd, World Bicycle Day reminds us of something many of us have learnt as kids – the joy of riding a bicycle. But this day is about more than just nostalgia. Declared by the United Nations, it celebrates the bicycle as a smart, eco-friendly, and healthy way to travel. In India, where landscapes change from deserts to jungles to coastlines, the humble cycle has become a powerful tool for adventure, connection, and even activism.

And some Indians have taken cycling far beyond the morning ride or neighbourhood spin.

Almost a century ago, three young men from then Bombay, Adi Hakim, Jal Bapasola, and Rustom Bhumgara, decided to take on the world, quite literally. They hopped on sturdy Royal Benson bicycles, carrying only the basics, and rode over 70,000 km across India and beyond.

Their five-year journey was not just about distance; it was about proving that the bicycle could be a passport to the world. They even published a book about their experience, earning praise from none other than Jawaharlal Nehru.

Today’s cyclists are equally inspiring. Vedangi Kulkarni, a young woman from Pune, rode solo around the world at just 19. Her 2018 journey stretched 29,000 km and took her through tough terrain and tougher weather. In 2024, she hit the road again, determined to break new records, heatwaves and flight delays couldn’t stop her.

Others have turned their rides into moving campaigns. West Bengal’s Prasanjit Das Jojo pedalled over 11,000 km to encourage people to protect nature and donate blood. Like Jojo, Mohit Niranjan travelled across 20 Indian states over two and a half years, spreading the word about saving our soil.

Then there was Rakesh Banik from Assam, who took his mission global. A para-cyclist, Rakesh rode 9,000 km from Russia to India to promote tourism in Assam and celebrate cross-cultural friendships.

These stories all prove one thing, a bicycle isn’t just a mode of transport. It can be a message, a movement, or even a way to find yourself.

So, this World Bicycle Day, why not hop on a bike? You don’t need a big goal or a long route. Even a short ride can be a breath of fresh air, and who knows, it might lead to something bigger. Just get pedalling. The road is waiting.