TI employees pedal to work, drive home a point

 It was not like any normal day when they would have to bear with the blaring horns or get stuck in traffic jams for hours. Friday was a day when the employees of Texas Instruments (TI) enjoyed the cool breeze caressing their face and got to work feeling more fit.

Several employees chose to cycle to work on the  International Bike to Work Day to create awareness. “It was an exciting start to the day. I initially refused to believe that I will be able to make it,” said Deepa G K, environment, health and safety lead, TI. Deepa cycled a good 20 km to work from her residence.

It was the first time she cycled this distance. “I never thought I could do this. But for encouragement from the office buddy group, I would not have even tried,” she said.

She is among the 235 people to have cycled to work. The company has a buddy cycling group comprising members who have been cycling for many years now. To instil confidence in those who cycled to work for the first time, the cycling buddies in their localities accompanied them from their residences.

“People might say it is a waste of time and you can reach office much early in a vehicle. But when there is an opportunity to cycle to work, why not make use of it?” said Archana Upadhyay, trade compliance manager, TI. She cycled 29 km to reach her workplace from Yelahanka New Town. She added that high traffic density and uneven road could be a deterrent to someone who wants to cycle.

Nagaraj Dixit, director, TI, observed that their cycle stand has been ever growing. He said that even as it feels good to cycle to work in the mornings, pollution during evenings is a deterrent.

‘City not accommodative’

Even as the enthusiasts cycle passionately, the city is yet to be accommodative for cyclists, they said.

Aditya Salian, manager, community relations, said that the road culture in Bengaluru was not yet accommodative of cyclists. He said that the cyclists are sometimes bullied on the roads and that the commuters are not really considerate.

He however added that cycles are easily available on rent if one shells out Rs 500 a day.
“There is not much awareness yet. Cycling through the city traffic is slightly difficult as compared to cycling near my house. Generally people do not care much,” opined H Shankara Narayana, a senior engineer who resides in Kanakapura.

He said that more people should take to cycling as it not only reduces pollution but also helps relieve stress. “It gives a person a lot of space and own time.”