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Friday Nov 15, 2024
Friday, 11 December 2015 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Cycling has taken Sri Lanka by storm, especially in the capital city, spotting a vehicle adorning a bike rack is now a common sight. Both young and old are showing a very keen interest in taking to the roads on two wheels in search of a new life and even a new way of coming to terms with the pressures of modern living.
Although recreational cycling has been a favourite mode of transport in the Western capitals, it has not been so in the Asian region most probably because of climatic conditions. 
However, the youth of Asia have opted to go back to basics and cycling has become quite the fad. The middle aged and young at heart have also embraced this sport in a bid to stay youthful and energetic and to enjoy every moment of life.
In Sri Lanka, the Pedal Pushers have created a new way of happy living, with its group of like-minded people riding around the city and on exciting off-road routes, exploring new terrain and pushing the boundaries of human endeavour.
The Pedal Pushers’ annual activity calendar is filled with different types of rides. The Colombo Cycle Fun Ride is the flagship of the community where close to 400 riders, including adults and children, ride around the city for a charitable cause. The main thrust of the ride is to be a starting pad for those who are keen to get on the saddle as a form of exercise or passion.
The many off-road rides to spectacular locations around the country, regular weekend off road rides to improve endurance and vitality and fast paced road rides are all conceptualised by expert riders, ensuring maximum safety and protection to the rider group.
According to Lalanthi Rajapakse, Co-Founder of Pedal Pushers, “Life is to be lived to the fullest. We have created opportunities for people to enjoy themselves, engaging in outdoor activities, which would take them back to their nostalgic childhoods. Today, our lives are so hectic that only constant exercise and peace of mind will help alleviate stress. Cycling is an amazing antidote.”
Adding to this thought, Co-Founder of Pedal Pushers Dharshini Ariyaratne says: “Cycling has made a positive difference in our lives and that’s what made us think this pleasure should be shared. We have a wonderful group of riders who ride together regularly and those are the best times on the bike. We are a family.”
Identifying the dire need to encourage cycling to work where a new age youth will have the opportunity to multitask and be healthy, Pedal Pushers is spearheading an aggressive drive called ‘Share the Road’ to respect the rider on the roads. This initiative, which can only be implemented with the blessings of the State and the Police, will provide a safe arena for employees to ride to work, because a driver will be compelled to share the road with a rider. This environment, which will be conducive to safe riding, will encourage more people to get on the saddle.
Next year will be dedicated by Pedal Pushers as the year to ‘Ride with a Purpose’. During the year, while continuing with the fun, fitness and friendship thrust, the riding community will focus on giving back to marginalised and underprivileged communities.
