World Bicycle Day: Saiyami Kher Demands Safer Cycling Lanes in India

Actor and endurance athlete Saiyami Kher believes India needs dedicated, protected cycling lanes and better road awareness to make cities safer for cyclists.

For Saiyami Kher, cycling has always been more than a fitness routine. It represents freedom, resilience, adventure, and a way of life. On World Bicycle Day 2026, the actor and endurance athlete opened up about her lifelong relationship with cycling, the challenges cyclists face in Indian cities, and why better infrastructure is essential for the future of urban mobility.

‘Cycling Gave Me Freedom Before It Gave Me Fitness’

Reflecting on her childhood memories, Kher recalls cycling as an everyday activity that brought independence and joy.

"Cycling for me as a child was going to school and back with my school friends. That was a really fun memory. Cycling gave me freedom before it gave me fitness," she says.

Her passion for cycling grew significantly nearly a decade ago during a solo cycling journey from Germany to Prague. The experience transformed cycling from a hobby into a lifelong pursuit and taught her valuable lessons about patience, perseverance, and self-discovery.

"Cycling teaches patience in a world that wants everything instantly. You can't cheat a climb. You can't rush endurance. You just keep pedalling," says Kher.

According to her, cycling also offers a unique sense of simplicity and connection with the world.

"With cycling, you realise how little you actually need to feel alive. Just the wind on your face downhill is the best feeling in the world."

Saiyami Kher Highlights Lack of Cycling Infrastructure in India

While cycling communities across India continue to grow, Kher believes the country's infrastructure has not kept pace with the increasing number of riders.

"Awareness has improved and more people are cycling, but infrastructure remains a major problem," she says.

The actor points out that most cyclists in Indian cities are forced to ride defensively because roads are rarely designed with their safety in mind.

Speaking about Mumbai's cycling facilities, she notes that dedicated lanes often fail to serve their intended purpose.

"The Worli cycling lane was a great start, but even there most walkers are just strolling around, so you can't ride properly. Buses and traffic on the roads are very scary and a nightmare."

Cycling Safety in Mumbai: ‘It Feels Like a Survival Sport’

Kher has personally experienced the risks associated with cycling in urban India.

"I've had two very bad falls. One because of a pothole and another when a car suddenly stopped," she reveals.

She adds that close encounters with vehicles are common and often dangerous.

"There have been so many times where vehicles have brushed past dangerously close, and it only takes one second of recklessness for things to go horribly wrong."

Summing up her experience, she says:

"Cycling in Mumbai feels like a survival sport. You don't just train your legs, you train your fight-or-flight response."

Why Saiyami Kher Recommends Group Cycling

Despite the challenges, Kher credits the cycling community for creating a safer and more enjoyable riding environment.

"I actually feel cycling must be done in groups, and I don't advise cycling alone in the city for safety reasons," she says.

According to the actor, group rides not only improve safety but also create opportunities to learn from fellow cyclists.

"I've met people from completely different walks of life who have been incredibly inspiring."

‘India Needs Usable Cycling Lanes, Not Symbolic Ones’

When asked about the single most important change needed to encourage cycling in India, Kher's answer is immediate: dedicated, protected cycling lanes.

"Not symbolic ones, but usable, connected and broad lanes where people aren't casually strolling around taking photographs," she says.

She also advocates for stricter road discipline, greater awareness among motorists, especially commercial vehicle drivers, and urban planning that prioritises green spaces and cleaner air.

"The air we breathe while cycling is counterproductive to wanting to be fit. It's like smoking. We really need to stop cutting trees. Cycling isn't just about cyclists; it's about creating healthier cities for everybody."

Cycling Should Be a Mode of Transport, Not Just a Fitness Trend

Kher believes India still largely views cycling as a sport or fitness activity rather than a practical transportation option.

"In many countries, cycling is normalised as transport. In India, we still see it mostly as a sport or fitness activity. For shorter distances, it makes complete sense as a mode of transport."

Drawing inspiration from the Netherlands, she points to the country's cyclist-friendly infrastructure.

"Everyone there cycles to work, parties, and everywhere else. They even have separate traffic signals for cyclists. I hope we get there someday."

Saiyami Kher's Most Memorable Cycling Adventures

Among Kher's favourite cycling experiences is an 800-kilometre bike-packing journey through Italy, which involved nearly 6,000 metres of climbing over ten days.

"It has to be the most memorable trip of my life," she says.

One particularly unforgettable challenge was conquering Italy's famed Tremalzo Pass.

"We climbed 2,200 metres, and I hate climbing. It was brutal with endless hairpins, but I finished because my mind wanted to finish and because I had incredibly supportive friends riding with me."

Advice for New Cyclists

For beginners looking to start their cycling journey, Kher's advice is refreshingly simple.

"You don't need the fanciest bike. The goal is to build consistency and joy. Fitness follows later. Confidence follows later. Every strong cyclist was once somebody wobbling nervously on a first ride."

As conversations around sustainability, healthy living, and cleaner cities continue to gain momentum, Kher hopes more people will embrace cycling. However, she believes meaningful change will only come when Indian cities invest in safer roads, better cycling infrastructure, and a culture that respects cyclists.

"Cycling isn't just about fitness. It's about creating healthier, happier cities for everyone."

Rapid Fire with Saiyami Kher

One cycling myth you'd like to bust?
You don't need to be super fit before starting. Cycling is what gets you fit.

Dream cycling route?
The Dolomites in Italy, Iceland, and Norway.

Most embarrassing cycling moment?
Falling while clipped in — cyclists know the trauma.

One thing drivers do that irritates you?
Aggressive horn usage when there's no space to move.

One thing cyclists do wrong?
Ignoring basic road etiquette and signals.

Have you fallen off a bicycle as an adult?
Many times. Falling is part of the journey.

Solo or group rides?
Group rides with great food and company.

Mountains or coastal roads?
Mountains and water, like Hawaii or New Zealand.

Long-distance or short intense rides?
Long-distance endurance rides.

Rain or summer heat?
Rain. Anything is better than extreme heat.

Music while cycling or silence?
Never music. It's unsafe.

Road bike or mountain bike?
Road bike.

What is always in your cycling travel kit?
A tool kit, chocolates, and patience.