More than 1,000 participants from diverse backgrounds gathered in Nangal on Sunday morning to celebrate World Bicycle Day during the second edition of 'The Bhakra Ride,' organized by Nangal By Cycle (NBC) under the Fit India Movement.
Event Highlights and Participation
The event, supported by the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) and the Ministry of Power, was held at the BBMB Auditorium. Cyclists, runners, students, families, healthcare professionals, volunteers, and fitness enthusiasts took part enthusiastically. The day began with participant registration followed by an energetic bhangra warm-up session.
Three Ride Categories for All Ages
Organizers designed three categories to encourage people of all age groups to adopt active lifestyles:
- Flagship Bhakra Ride (25 km): Took participants from Nangal towards the iconic Bhakra Dam area, combining endurance cycling with a view of one of India's major engineering landmarks.
- City Ride (10 km): Catered to recreational cyclists and fitness enthusiasts.
- Fun Ride and Run (5 km): Offered a family-friendly platform for children, senior citizens, walkers, runners, and first-time cyclists.
Security and Dignitaries
Security arrangements were coordinated with the Punjab Police and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). Support came from Gurpreet Kaur Deo, Director General of Police, Punjab; DSP Naveen Pal Singh Lehal; and the Punjab Police team, while CISF arrangements were overseen by Commandant Prateek Raghuvanshi. Among the dignitaries present was CP Singh, Chief Engineer, BBMB.
Address by Gurpreet Kaur Deo
Addressing participants, Gurpreet Kaur Deo stressed the need to make fitness an integral part of everyday life. She described cycling as one of the simplest and most effective ways to stay healthy and urged people of all ages to embrace active lifestyles. She also highlighted the importance of road safety, responsible cycling practices, and the use of protective gear such as helmets.
Social Causes and Awareness Campaigns
Beyond promoting fitness, the event focused on social causes. In collaboration with SOTTO Punjab and Livasa Hospitals, organizers conducted awareness campaigns on organ donation, encouraging participants to pledge their organs and help save lives. Messages related to traffic discipline and responsible road use were also disseminated during the program. Livasa Hospitals provided medical support, with healthcare teams and ambulance services stationed at the venue throughout the event.
Founder's Vision
Speaking on the occasion, Rohit Garg, Founder of Nangal By Cycle, said, 'The Bhakra Ride was not just a cycling event but a movement that promoted fitness, community spirit, volunteerism, road safety, environmental awareness, and social responsibility.'
Conclusion and Future Plans
The event concluded with a felicitation ceremony. Organizers said the success of the event had further strengthened NBC's mission of expanding awareness about cycling, fitness, road safety, blood donation, and organ donation across more than 100 villages in the region.
