Cycling must be placed at the centre of India’s urban mobility strategy to tackle rising pollution, congestion and public health challenges, speakers said at a national seminar on sustainable transportation held at the India International Centre (IIC) on the occasion of World Bicycling Day 2026.
The seminar, titled “Smart & Sustainable Mobility Through Cycling: A Pathway to Cleaner Air and Healthier Cities,” was organised by SmartBike, in association with the India International Centre and the World Cycling Alliance. The event brought together policymakers, urban mobility experts, cycling advocates and industry leaders to discuss the role of cycling in creating cleaner, healthier and more sustainable cities.
The discussions were held against the backdrop of worsening air pollution in Indian cities, particularly Delhi, where vehicular emissions continue to contribute significantly to deteriorating air quality. Speakers stressed that cycling offers a credible and scalable alternative to fossil fuel-based transport, while also serving as an effective first-mile and last-mile connectivity solution.
Delivering the keynote address, K N Shrivastava, Director of the India International Centre and former Civil Aviation Secretary, underscored the growing importance of sustainable mobility solutions in Delhi and the National Capital Region.
D V Manohar, Chairman of SmartBike and First Vice President of the World Cycling Alliance, presented the draft National Cycling Policy prepared at the government’s request and highlighted the need for a comprehensive framework to mainstream cycling across Indian cities.
Mayank Srivastava, Deputy Director General of the Sports Authority of India, reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting fitness and active lifestyles through sustainable modes of transport.
The seminar was also addressed by Rohina Gupta, Director in the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, which oversees the Smart Cities Mission. International perspectives on cycling policy and urban mobility were provided by Graham Watson, President of the World Cycling Alliance, Brussels, and Laurianne Krid, Chief Executive Officer of the European Cyclists’ Federation.
Participants also deliberated on the upcoming World Bicycle Day mega cycling events scheduled for June 7 in Hyderabad and Chandigarh. The events are being positioned as part of a broader effort to promote cycling as a pillar of sustainable urban mobility, citizen fitness and cleaner cities.
The Hyderabad event, jointly organised by SmartBike Mobility and the Hyderabad Bicycling Club at the SmartBike Hub in Narsingi, is expected to attract nearly 5,000 cyclists and fitness enthusiasts. Former Vice President of India M Venkaiah Naidu will attend as the chief guest. The programme will include 5-km and 10-km community rides, road safety campaigns and cycling awareness activities.
In Chandigarh, SmartBike Mobility will organise a similar event at the Art Gallery, Chandigarh, where around 3,000 cyclists, students and community members are expected to participate. H Rajesh Prasad will be the chief guest.
Together, the two events are expected to draw more than 8,000 participants, reflecting growing public interest in cycling and active mobility solutions.
Organisers said the seminar sought to move beyond awareness and encourage policy action to address the intertwined challenges of urban pollution, traffic congestion and public health. They emphasised that meaningful change would require not only government support and institutional frameworks but also greater public participation and community-led cycling movements.
