My name is Swarupa Shah and I am a yoga trainer. As Silvassa is known for its scenic beauty, I love how cycling can take me to places that most people don’t encounter. I have been commuting by bicycle for more than 5 years and have also promoted the use of bicycles for this purpose. I’ve especially reached out to women to use the bicycle for their daily commutes. I want to represent the bicycle as visible mode of transport in Silvassa.
How would you describe your mission?
My first aim is to focus on school-going children and get them to use the bicycle. As mentioned earlier, I’d also like to encourage more women to take up cycling. Finally, promoting cycling to office-goers will also be a goal of mine.
What are the obstacles and challenges you are facing in your city?
The main obstacles and challenges for adopting cycling in my city are lack of safety, comfort and convenience for cycle users, heavy traffic, congestion, and lack of motor vehicle parking places. Vehicles are often parked on roads or in cycle lanes. Poor road quality is a big obstacle for cyclists in my city.
What are the next steps now that you are the Bicycle Mayor?
– Promoting cycling as a mode of transport for school and work through cycling rallies.
– Creating awareness among masses by highlighting the importance of the use of bicycles, including its overall benefits and safety requirements.
– Promoting the use of cycle lanes in my city. Most cyclists use cycles only for sport; I think a different perspective on cycling, as a lifestyle, should be introduced.
– Building a strong cycling community for a better tomorrow.
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