<p class="bodytext">June 3 was World Bicycle Day. Cycling enthusiasts in Bengaluru tell<span class="italic"> Metrolife</span> about the routes they like to take. </p>.<p class="bodytext">Within the city, Lalbagh and Cubbon Park are popular spots for cycling. According to Rohan Kini, cyclist and entrepreneur, the rolling terrain on the outskirts of Bengaluru, “with its undulating slopes”, is especially well suited for the activity.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Venkateswara Rao Navanasi, an IT professional and cycling enthusiast, says his group meets near Hebbal and rides along the airport route to Devanahalli, finishing with a climb up Nandi Hills every Sunday.</p>.Photo show turns lens on childhood games.<p class="bodytext">Hesaraghatta is another favourite, says Purvi Rao, a medical student who began cycling in September 2023. Known for its dairy farms and the state livestock breeding centre, the area also offers lush greenery and scenic stretches lined with mango and coconut trees. Another destination she enjoys is Begur Fort, about 14 km from M G Road.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Sathya Sankaran, the Bicycle Mayor of Bengaluru, agrees that Nandi Hills and Hesaraghatta Lake are good routes, especially for those living in north Bengaluru.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Cyclists based in south Bengaluru often head towards Sri Meenakshi Sundareshwara Temple, T K Falls, and Gulakamale Lake, or ride along the Bannerghatta-Kaggalipura Main Road. These areas are dotted with tree cover, farms, and lakes. “These roads are clean and broad, so traffic is spread out and there’s more room for cyclists,” adds Purvi.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Other popular destinations in the south include Pyramid Valley and <br />Jaguars Falls. Turahalli Forest, located to the southwest, is another well-loved spot.</p>.<p class="bodytext">To encourage more women to take up cycling, groups like Spokes Women have been actively promoting the sport. The initiative consists of several subgroups that ride together every weekend. Every two months, all the subgroups come together for a joint ride starting at Vidhana Soudha and looping around Cubbon Park through central Bengaluru. Vindya Chandran, its founder, lists HAL Airport Road, Hoskote, and Kolar among her favourite routes, along with newer roads like the KRR (Karnataka Ring Road) Highway and STRR (Satellite Town Ring Road). “These new roads are flatter and wider, making them safer for large groups to ride together,” she explains.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Another initiative to promote cycling in the city is at Cubbon Park, where cycles can be rented from Hudson Circle for Rs 30 per hour for riding within the premises.</p>
<p class="bodytext">June 3 was World Bicycle Day. Cycling enthusiasts in Bengaluru tell<span class="italic"> Metrolife</span> about the routes they like to take. </p>.<p class="bodytext">Within the city, Lalbagh and Cubbon Park are popular spots for cycling. According to Rohan Kini, cyclist and entrepreneur, the rolling terrain on the outskirts of Bengaluru, “with its undulating slopes”, is especially well suited for the activity.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Venkateswara Rao Navanasi, an IT professional and cycling enthusiast, says his group meets near Hebbal and rides along the airport route to Devanahalli, finishing with a climb up Nandi Hills every Sunday.</p>.Photo show turns lens on childhood games.<p class="bodytext">Hesaraghatta is another favourite, says Purvi Rao, a medical student who began cycling in September 2023. Known for its dairy farms and the state livestock breeding centre, the area also offers lush greenery and scenic stretches lined with mango and coconut trees. Another destination she enjoys is Begur Fort, about 14 km from M G Road.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Sathya Sankaran, the Bicycle Mayor of Bengaluru, agrees that Nandi Hills and Hesaraghatta Lake are good routes, especially for those living in north Bengaluru.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Cyclists based in south Bengaluru often head towards Sri Meenakshi Sundareshwara Temple, T K Falls, and Gulakamale Lake, or ride along the Bannerghatta-Kaggalipura Main Road. These areas are dotted with tree cover, farms, and lakes. “These roads are clean and broad, so traffic is spread out and there’s more room for cyclists,” adds Purvi.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Other popular destinations in the south include Pyramid Valley and <br />Jaguars Falls. Turahalli Forest, located to the southwest, is another well-loved spot.</p>.<p class="bodytext">To encourage more women to take up cycling, groups like Spokes Women have been actively promoting the sport. The initiative consists of several subgroups that ride together every weekend. Every two months, all the subgroups come together for a joint ride starting at Vidhana Soudha and looping around Cubbon Park through central Bengaluru. Vindya Chandran, its founder, lists HAL Airport Road, Hoskote, and Kolar among her favourite routes, along with newer roads like the KRR (Karnataka Ring Road) Highway and STRR (Satellite Town Ring Road). “These new roads are flatter and wider, making them safer for large groups to ride together,” she explains.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Another initiative to promote cycling in the city is at Cubbon Park, where cycles can be rented from Hudson Circle for Rs 30 per hour for riding within the premises.</p>