We are thrilled to share highlights from Pune's inaugural Annual Cycling Conference, an event that marked a significant milestone not only for Pune but also for cycling enthusiasts across India. The conference, held on March 30, 2024, at the SM Joshi Socialist Foundation in Sadashiv Peth, Pune, brought together a diverse array of panelists, moderators, and participants passionate about promoting cycling as a sustainable mode of transportation.
The conference was a day-long affair filled with engaging discussions, visionary insights, and interactive sessions aimed at fostering a cycling-friendly culture in Pune. The event commenced with an inaugural ceremony, including the launch of the Pune Cycle Partnership under the brand name CycleOn. The CycleOn initiative was also introduced, aimed at building a robust community of cyclists in Pune and advocating for better cycling infrastructure in the city. Additionally, attendees were briefed on the various cycling-related activities undertaken by Parisar and allied organisations over the past year.
Highlights of the panels and activities of the day:
Panel Discussion: "How Do We Bring the Cycling Culture Back in Our Cities?"
The highlight of the morning session was a lively panel discussion featuring esteemed guests Ashik Jain (Bicycle Mayor of PCMC), Hasrahad Abhyankar (Director of Save Pune Traffic Movement), and Firoza Dadan (First Bicycle Mayor of Mumbai). Moderated by Tanzeel Allapur, the panel explored strategies for revitalizing the cycling culture in urban environments and overcoming societal barriers to cycling adoption.
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Felicitation of Cycling Stars:
We took a moment to honour Pune's cycling enthusiasts through a special felicitation ceremony, celebrating the diverse profiles and inspiring stories of local cyclists.
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CSR Workshop: "Corporate Funding for Cycling-Friendly Cities"
A dedicated workshop delved into the role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in supporting cycling initiatives and fostering sustainable urban development. Representatives from both corporate entities and NGOs engaged in insightful discussions and a brainstorming session to come up with new ways and techniques to address challenges and pitch for funding opportunities to promote cycling culture in the city.
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Panel Discussion: "Schools for Cycling" :
The afternoon session focused on the pivotal role of schools in promoting cycling among students. Representatives from various schools in Pune shared their experiences and insights on initiatives such as the School Travel Improvement Plan and the Cycle Bus initiative. Moderated by Amar Karan from CEE, the panel explored strategies for making cities safer and more accessible for young cyclists.
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Panel Discussion: "Building Cycling-Friendly Cities"
The conference concluded with an illuminating panel discussion featuring representatives from Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad, as well as insights into the national program Cycles4Change. Moderated by transport planner and architect Pranjali Kulkarni, the panel shed light on urban planning efforts aimed at promoting cycling as a viable mode of transportation.
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Additional activities:
A Heritage Bicycle Ride led by Aniket Mahashabde, the founder of Cymour Cycles, took participants on a journey through Pune's rich cultural heritage.
A Zine Workshop facilitated by Zinedabaad Collective provided attendees with a creative platform to explore their perceptions and experiences of cycling through art.
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