On the occasion of World Bicycle Day-2026, a Bicycle Rally was organized in Bhopal on June 3, 2026, under the joint aegis of the National Centre for Human Settlements and Environment (NCHSE), Bhopal, Consumer VOICE, New Delhi, and the Bhopal Bicycle Riders Group (BBRG).
The event was graced by Dr. Pradip Nandi, Director General, NCHSE, and Arun Gurtoo, Former Director General of Police (DGP), Madhya Pradesh, who attended as the Chief Guest. More than 75 participants enthusiastically took part in the rally.
Welcoming the participants, Avinash Shrivastava, Deputy Director, NCHSE, informed that World Bicycle Day, recognized by the United Nations, is observed annually on June 3. He emphasized that cycling is an affordable, reliable, healthy, and environmentally friendly mode of transport that contributes significantly to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He further noted that the theme of World Bicycle Day 2026, “Cycling for a Greener Future,” highlights the important role of bicycles in reducing carbon emissions, building sustainable cities, and addressing the challenges of climate change.
Addressing the gathering, Arun Gurtoo said that many road users often take unnecessary risks and engage in dangerous overtaking merely to save a few seconds, which frequently results in serious crashes. He appealed to citizens to exercise patience and caution while driving and to respect the safety of all road users.
Dr. Pradip Nandi stated that the bicycle rally was not only intended to promote environmental conservation but also to highlight the importance of road safety. He pointed out that increasing vehicle speeds are contributing to a growing number of road crashes and fatalities. He stressed the need for an effective scientific speed management system and a robust State Road Safety Action Plan to reduce road accidents and save lives.
During the programme, all participants signed a memorandum addressed to the Chief Secretary and Transport Commissioner of Madhya Pradesh. The memorandum urged the government to adopt a scientific speed management framework and implement an effective State Road Safety Action Plan to ensure the safety of vulnerable road users, including pedestrians and cyclists.
Participants displayed a range of road safety messages on placards attached to their bicycles, including “Scientific Speed Limits Save Lives,” “Manage Speed, Prevent Crashes,” “Drive Slow! Lives Matter,” “My Bicycle, My Right to Safe Roads,” and “A Strong Road Safety Action Plan Saves Lives.” The rally also carried messages calling for stronger road safety measures and a comprehensive Road Safety Action Plan for Madhya Pradesh.
The rally traversed designated routes across the city before concluding at the NCHSE campus in Arera Colony. The event aimed to raise public awareness about environmental protection, sustainable transportation, and road safety, while encouraging citizens to adopt cycling as a healthy, eco-friendly, and sustainable mode of travel.
