Kanishka Poddar

Traveling has always been the balancing factor in the juggle between work and life. I did my masters from IIM, Ranchi and run a design studio for men’s ethnic wear under the brand Mulberry Lifestyle. My story as a cyclist started in 2015 when I bought my first single geared bicycle with the idea of getting fit and made it part of my daily routine by doing errands, riding to work and more. Over the months, my daily commute turned into long weekend rides, which then turned into a passion to cycle everyday and to advise others around me to take up cycling as a part of their lifestyle. Cycling became my yoga and my meditation.
I co-founded the Ranchi Cycling Club in 2016 with few of my cycling mates. The club has grown from 4 members in 2016 to over 250 members in 2019 and still growing. The formation of clubs helped in reuniting people and connected them with the sheer joy of cycling in the city, exploring the hinterlands around the city and commuting for everyday errands and to their workplace.

How would you describe your mission?

My core mission as a Bicycle Mayor is:
✓ Ensuring ample parking for bicycle across the city.
✓ Education to people at large to take-up cycling as part of there everyday life.
✓ Make roads safer for cyclists.

What are the obstacles and challenges you’re facing in your city?

✓ Inadequate cycling infrastructure, lanes etc.
✓ Lack of education on safety of cyclists on the road and among cyclists as well.
✓ No focused approach by the government towards development of cycling culture.

What are your next steps now that you are the Bicycle Mayor?

✓ Organise regular event to educate and inspire people to take up cycling.
✓ Reach out to government and local authorities for parking spaces and safer roads.
✓ Reunite and connect with local cycling community.

What can other cities learn from your city?

There is definitely lots to learn from every city and individual across the globe. Watch out for regular stories and updates from my city.

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