ADOOR: Age is just a number for 81-year-old Sivasankara Pillai from Pathanamthitta, who still rides his bicycle every single day—a habit he picked up when he was just 12 years old. Despite facing age-related health concerns, Pillai remains dedicated to his daily routine, pedalling with quiet determination.

Each day, he cycles to the Thengamam Market Junction, 2 km away, and the Tottuva Family Health Centre, 3 km from home, to pick up his medicines. Although he now restricts his rides to a 5-kilometre radius, cycling remains an essential part of his lifestyle.

In his youth, he began by renting cycles for a mere 2 annas, eventually saving up to purchase one of his own. Over the years, he covered long distances on two wheels, including a memorable 30-km ride from Thengamam to Panmana near Chavara.

His old bicycle, which served him faithfully for three decades, had to be retired. Undeterred, he has been using a new one for the past four years and continues to rely on it for everyday commuting.

Pillai says he finds joy, freedom, and health benefits in this simple routine and has no plans of giving it up. “I will keep cycling as long as I’m physically able,” he declares with a smile.