Bengaluru: What began as a small group of cycling enthusiasts has grown into a citywide movement in Bengaluru, with hundreds of riders coming together not just to stay fit but also to build friendships, promote sustainable transport and advocate for safer roads.

Among the city’s most active cycling groups is Velokofi, a community of around 700 members founded by cycling enthusiast Sudarshan, popularly known as Sudu. For him, cycling is about much more than covering kilometres.

Building friendships on two wheels

Sudarshan says Velokofi was created to bring people together through a shared passion for cycling. The group recently organised its annual 7Kaapi100Milee meet-and-greet, where members invited family and friends to participate in fun rides and networking activities. The event attracted nearly 1,400 participants.

Today, the community includes amateur cyclists, endurance riders, racers, bicycle mechanics, event organisers and cycle shop owners, creating a vibrant ecosystem around the sport.

More than just fitness

Across Bengaluru, cycling groups such as Bike2Work, Bangalore Whitefield Cycling Club (BWCC), Brookefield Randonneurs, Malleshwara Cyclists and Fitness Club, and Spokes Women are helping riders improve their fitness while learning about road safety, bicycle maintenance and long-distance cycling.

For many women, cycling has also become a symbol of confidence and independence. Spokes Women, an all-women cycling community founded by Vidya Chandran, has helped women of different ages learn cycling, including senior citizens returning to the sport after decades.

Cycling groups push for safer roads

Several cycling organisations are also campaigning for better infrastructure. Groups such as Velo Saga and Pedaluru have been urging authorities to develop dedicated cycling lanes, improve public infrastructure and encourage cycling for short-distance travel.

Advocates argue that Bengaluru’s heavy dependence on private vehicles has contributed to congestion, while the lack of safe cycling infrastructure discourages more people from choosing bicycles as a daily mode of transport.

As Bengaluru continues to grow, cycling communities believe that investing in safer streets and encouraging active mobility can improve public health, reduce traffic congestion and make the city more environmentally sustainable