69% of families in Bihar own a bicycle, highest in country

Patna: Even as bicycles are no longer the preferred mode of transport for many people, Bihar continues to record one of the highest rates of bicycle ownership in the country. Around 69% of families in the state own at least one bicycle, compared to the national average of 50.4%, according to trade experts.

An estimated four to five lakh bicycles are sold annually in Bihar, out of India’s total domestic market of about 1.05 crore to 1.1 crore units.

On the eve of World Bicycle Day, observed on June 3, health experts and environmentalists stressed the need to promote cycling as an affordable, healthy and environmentally friendly means of transport.

According to a World Health Organization report, providing bicycles to the world’s poorest people can prevent at least 15 lakh premature deaths and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by five billion pounds annually.

A study by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) highlighted that cycling offers significant benefits, including zero dependence on fuel, zero pollution and improved health. It also provides an affordable mobility option for people seeking access to livelihoods, education and other essential services.

Former Indian Medical Association state president Dr Rajiv Ranjan Prasad said regular cycling offers substantial physical and mental health benefits. “It improves cardiovascular health by strengthening the heart and lungs. Cycling also enhances muscle strength and flexibility, particularly in the legs and core,” he said.

Rajiv added that cycling strengthens calf muscles, often referred to as the body’s “second heart”, helping improve blood circulation and supporting heart health. It also benefits people suffering from respiratory problems.

Dr Satish Kumar of Nalanda Medical College Hospital said regular cycling helps control body weight, improves metabolism, builds muscles and reduces blood fat levels. “Studies have shown that cycling for more than 30 minutes per day can reduce the risk of developing diabetes by 40%,” he said.

Environmentalist Mehta Nagendra Singh said World Bicycle Day aims to encourage people to adopt cycling for fitness and to combat obesity. “By adopting cycling, people will also facilitate in reducing carbon footprints,” he said.

Mehta called for dedicated cycling infrastructure, tax concessions for low-income groups and measures to reduce dependence on private vehicles to encourage wider use of bicycles.