FAQ

We hope here you can find answers to most questions in your mind.  If not, please send us your question!

  1. I used to cycle in my college days, but won't be able to cycle now
  2. I already cycle frequently.  Why should I join the campaign?
  3. I am scared of cycling in Pune...
  4. I need to carry my laptop every day
  5. It takes too much time/ effort.  My office is far from home - 5 km
  6. What if my cycle is punctured on the way?
  7. I want to buy a good cycle.  Please suggest me a make and model.
  8. How many gears are necessary?
  9. Which accessories do you recommend?
  10. Where can I buy cycling accessories?


I used to cycle in my college days


Why do you think that you can't cycle today?  Using motorized vehicles makes us think that a distance of 3-4 km is too far for cycling; but borrow a friend's cycle and try it out for a ride.  You can easily do 4 km in 15 minutes!



I already cycle frequently.  Why should I join the campaign?


Wow, great!  This campaign is exactly for people like you - we want to *build a network of people like you*.



I am scared of cycling in Pune...


Oh, don't worry... cycling in Pune is not as bad or unsafe as it is made out to be!

Just pick a friend's cycle and try a couple of rounds in a quiet neighbourhood.  Once you are confident, try the main road on a Sunday morning.

Then start with doing all local work within 1-2 km on a cycle.  Go ahead and buy one - just take the leap!  We are sure that would be the best "daring" decision of your life!  :)

Several good cycle shops are participating in the "2015 ON CYCLES" initiative.  You will get good discounts on cycles and accessories from these shops.



I need to carry my laptop every day


Don't carry it on your back!  You sweat, plus your back might hurt too.

An elastic strap fondly called as "octopus" (shown on left below) is available at some hardware shops.  School children use it regularly to fasten their school bags to the carriers.  Fix a carrier to your cycle if you don't have one,, get an "octopus", fasten your laptop bag to the carrier as shown on right below and you are all set!






It takes too much time/ effort.  My office is far from home - 5 km


A cycle goes much faster than you think.  It takes just 20 min to go 5 km at a v-e-r-y leisurely pace!  If the traffic is high, a cycle generally beats a car over that distance!



What if my cycle is punctured on the way?


There still are more cycle repair shops than you think!  Once you decide to cycle frequently to work, find out where they are.  You will generally find one within a 10-15 minute walk.

In due course of time, we would like to build a database of cycle repair-walas in Pune and make it available on your mobile.



I want to buy a good cycle.  Please suggest me a make and model.


Cycling in Pune is on the rise and there are many makes and models to suit your wallet; but focus more on ergonomics and comfort than on style and colour :)



How many gears are necessary?


While some people easily negotiate gradients even like the Symbiosis hill without any gears, even 5 gears can simplify your life a great deal.  With 15 or more, no gradient in Pune can stop you!



Which accessories do you recommend?


For you:  A helmet, of course.  Wear sunglasses to protect yourself from bright Sunlight and dust particles.  An anti-pollution mask is highly desirable.  Keep a napkin and a perfume/ deo in your drawer at office.

For the cycle:  A seat cushion if the seat is too hard.  Blinking LED lights make you much easily visible in night, use them.  A water bottle with a holder if you have a long ride.



Where can I buy cycling accessories?


There are many shops across the city.  "2015 ON CYCLES" has tied up with a few to offer discounts to participants of this campaign.