"There has been a significant increase in cycling enthusiasts in the city. We now have around 4,000 to 5,000 rental cycles available in the city, and three to four major cycling clubs operating across various locations. People in Hyderabad have embraced this eco-friendly, healthy habit." Ravinder Nandanoori Founder Hyderabad Cyclist Group (HCG)

On weekends in Hyderabad, the air is filled with the sound of bicycle tires humming against the pavement, as hundreds of youngsters, techies, middle aged professionals and even children line up at popular spots like Necklace Road, Kondapur, and the ORR near Narsingi, eagerly awaiting their turn to embark on a long, breezy ride.

It’s a scene that reflects a growing trend in the city: cycling has become the top weekend priority for many, especially since the pandemic reshaped lifestyles.

Once overlooked, cycling has now captured the hearts of Hyderabadis, making the city a hub for health-conscious riders. Over the past few years, cycling has evolved from a niche activity into a thriving culture. This transformation can largely be attributed to the rise of local cycling clubs and the availability of rental stations across the city.

Before 2017, Hyderabad had no formal cycling clubs. But a few passionate enthusiasts took the initiative, founding clubs and establishing rental stations to make cycling accessible to everyone. Today, the city boasts several rental cycle stations and dedicated cycling tracks, offering a range of options for riders of all ages.

Cycling is increasingly recognized as one of the best forms of exercise, second only to swimming in its health benefits. Bicycle clubs provide various designs of cycles on rental basis like Rs 40 and Rs 59 per hour.  

Ravinder said “After Covid-19, many people struggled with breathing issues, and cycling has proven to be an excellent way to improve lung capacity and respiratory health."

Palapitta Cycling Park in Kondapur, the Hyderabad Bicycling Club at Necklace Road, and the ORR near Narsingi become bustling hubs of activity. The 3-kilometer-long Palapitta Cycling Track is particularly special—it’s India’s first and only exclusive cycling zone. This traffic-free, tree-lined stretch is dedicated entirely to cyclists. It features a large shed filled with a wide variety of cycles.

Nestled in a reserved forest by the Telangana State Forest Development Corporation, the park provides a refreshing and soothing environment, especially in the summer.

The Hyderabad Bicycling Club (HBC) continues to be a major player in the city's cycling boom, offering thousands of rental cycles to enthusiasts, particularly on weekends. Families and groups of friends gather to cycle along the scenic roads of Tank Bund and Necklace Road, further contributing to the city's vibrant cycling culture.

Another significant milestone in Hyderabad’s cycling scene is the ORR Cycling Track. Spanning 23 kilometers, this eco-friendly path runs parallel to the Outer Ring Road (ORR) and is one of the most popular routes for serious cyclists. The track is solar-panelled, making it an energy-efficient choice for riders. It is divided into two stretches: 8.5 kilometers from Nanakramguda to the Telangana State Police Academy (TSPA), and 14.5 kilometers from Kollur to Narsingi, converging at Narsingi Junction.

Cyclist and techie Vinay Bhaskar said ‘Cycling for 30 to 45 minutes, four days a week will help improve heart rate, blood circulation, and strengthen bones and muscles.’

SCR GM flags off ‘Sundays on Cycle’ event

Arun Kumar Jain, General Manager, South Central Railway (SCR) flagged off and pedalled in the ‘FIT INDIA CYCLOTHON’ event along with a team of SCR officials at Railway Sports Complex in Secunderabad on Sunday.

The event was organized by SCR Sports Association as part of the Khelo India Scheme’s FIT INDIA initiative.

Speaking on the occasion, Arun Kumar Jain stressed on the importance of staying fit which is very important and the need of the hour. The Fit India Movement campaign has really helped everyone in a big way to keep Fit and Healthy. Cycling activity is very good for health and nowadays many people in other countries are coming back to cycling to maintain fitness. Cycling is an environmentally friendly activity and improves health also.