By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, June 6, 2016 : As people eagerly wait for the onset of monsoon get relief from the scorching heat wave sweeping across the country, – a group of cyclists from Bhubaneswar just enjoy the summer with bicycles by riding on every Sunday morning into forests, country sides, river banks, hilltops to explore the beauty of the nature.

Apart from satisfying their love for nature, – the group members, in an indirect way, put moral pressure on the state government to keep the roads in good conditions so that cyclists and pedestrians have their space to commute without any hassles. The conditions of the roads and routes the group members cover during their journey get highlighted alongside the report on their adventure, – waking up the government to take necessary and corrective measures.

“When many denizens of twin-city Bhubaneswar and Cuttack choose to spend their time inside their air conditioned homes or at theaters, multiplexes or in swimming pools, – we prefer ride into nearby forests and countryside to immerse ourselves in the beauty and splendors of the nature. It makes no difference for us if mercury hovers over 40 or 45 degree Celsius,” says Dr Piusha Rout, an urban planner and founder ‘We All Ride Bicycle,’ an organisation of amateur cyclists, which has over 1000 members.

The cyclists undertake the tour to forests and countryside for fun and experience. The members are from heterogeneous fields like government and private sector employees, civil society members; school and college students, businessmen and intellectuals.

“Every Friday, some of us take the lead and discuss about the destinations and routes keeping in mind weather, safety and road conditions. On Saturday, detail ride plan is posted in social networks. We also encourage new cyclists to join us. There is no age bar and no money is charged from the new members,” says Dr Rout.

Sharing about his cycling experiences, Santosh Rout, a human resources professional who joined the group recently, says. “Being inside the four walls for five to six days a week often chokes you. When I’m on a bicycle with the group, I feel as if I have got wings to move around places which I never visited even in my car. Honestly, these rides are very interesting…we often miss these splendors of beauty confining ourselves in the city life.”

School students equally enjoy the summer with the group.

Ashutosh Choudhury, a school student, says, “Cycling rides are benefiting me to learn the nature around my city, tourist sites and other important places. It helps me in academic studies…all it comes at no cost.”

For Abhisekh Biswal a college student from Cuttack, cycling is not just fun but also a good way to try local cuisine.

“Recently I rode with the group on to hilltops of Sidheswar temple near Cuttack and witnessed Mahanadi. Nestled in the nature, it completely mesmerized me.”

“We All Ride Bicycle is not only just a body like any other club that conducts weekend cycling rather our approach is to advocate the government to make roads and streets friendly for cyclists and pedestrians. So far our advocacy has taken a momentum and cycling is finding its momentum. We hope with little bit support from the state government and local community, will help us to carry forward our mission to greater heights,” says Dr Rout.