Prayagraj youngsters drawn to cycling during lockdown

PRAYAGRAJ: As lockdown restrictions have been eased and public transport is not preferred due to fear of the spread of Covid-19, cycling in groups has become a latest fad among the young residents of the city.
The limited passenger policy in public vehicles has also made many residents either buy a cycle or repair their old ones for daily commute.
City resident Vineet Dwivedi has decided to ride his bicycle, which had been lying idle since he left college.He repaired his bicycle and now pedals at least 30km daily to keep himself fit and healthy.
Dwivedi, a city-based educationalist, also encourages his students for the same.
He said, "I, along with my group of friends, pedal at least 30km."
All the cyclists carry masks and maintain a distance from each other while cycling.
Nikhil Malang, a city-based trader dealing in retail medicine business, too loves to cycle at least 25 km everyday. He said, "I am a cyclist and have completed Manali to Leh to Khardungala ride in the past."
Malang added, "Group cycling has undoubtedly turned into a latest fad among citizens, and as a result, there has been a shortage of bicycles in the city recently.
Entrepreneur Vinay Mehrotra said, "Cycling is the best way to keep ourselves fit and healthy amid the coronavirus pandemic. It has become a routine of his life."W
Banker Ashutosh said, "With gyms still shut, we find cycling the best option to keep ourselves fit in these trying times. I cycle along with my friends every morning."
Manoj Kapoor, owner of a prominent bicycle store in the city, said, "With curbs being relaxed, the sale of bicycles has picked up and reached 25 to 30%. But currently, fresh lot of cycles is not arriving from Punjab and Tamil Nadu, and hence there's a shortage in supply while the demand is high.
"The strength of bicycle lovers has increased to a major extent in the city, and many can be spotted cycling in morning and evening hours," he added.