Colombo Cycling Fun Ride 2016 an overwhelming success

The Colombo Cycling Fun Ride 2016, organised for the fifth successive year by the Pedal Pushers Cyclists, saw the participation of over 300 cycling enthusiasts. 

With a history of over half a decade, the Pedal Pushers have been pedalling their way to promote a change in the mindset of cycling, perceiving it not only as a sport but a healthy lifestyle. 

What began as a male-dominated sporting activity in Sri Lanka has evolved into a dynamic and well-attended family outdoor activity. Cycling above all else is a perfect solution to enhance health and fitness, especially in an aging population. The positive thinking, physical exercise and maintenance of fitness levels have been the driving force for all cycling enthusiasts. 

The event, which concluded with a 25 km ride for adults, 5 km ride for kids and a corporate, group, clubs and professionals challenge, saw friendly competition between participants looking to beat each other’s cycling speeds.  

A group of six members of the Colombo Mountain Bikers won the Corporate, Group, Clubs And Professionals Challenge. 

The Pedal Pushers cycling group, which was formed back in 2010 by two enthusiasts Lalanthi Rajapakse and Dharshini Ariyaratne, takes pride in organising this event to further promote fun, fitness and friendship. 

Cycling today takes place in two different formats - professional cycling and recreational cycling with rehabilitation cycling to be introduced under the auspices of the Cycling Federation in the near future. 

With this objective in mind, led by the Cycling Federation of Sri Lanka and recreational cycling groups such as the Pedal Pushers Cyclists, Wroom, BoraluBoyz, Action Lanka, Colombo Mountain Bikers as well as the Sri Lanka Traffic Police, a fervent plea was recently extended to the driving community to respect cyclists and ‘Share the Road with Cyclists’, so that safety can be assured to them. 

Safety is fundamental in this form of transport and empathy by drivers is crucial. The Colombo Cycling Fun Ride 2016 reflected this plea with many drivers, members of the public and traffic police extending their support. 

Emerging as an exciting and adventurous mode of health and fitness, cycling is accepted around the world as a very popular activity. It is the local community’s hope to promote cycling among the nation and ensure that it will contribute to the sustainable development of our country by creating a healthy and fit nation of Sri Lankans.