100 years on, the vintage connect between city and cycle continues

Titled Cycling in Madras (From 1877 – 1977), the booklet was released in the presence of freedom fighter and Mahatma Gandhi’s personal secretary V Kalyanam and historian S Muthiah at Ibis, City Centre.

The book chronicles a century of cycling in Chennai from the period from 1877 to 1977. Ramanujar Moulana, founder of Cycling Yogis says, “The idea was to share the unknown facets of cycling and the stories of popular people who enjoyed cycling. For instance, Gilbert Slater, who started the Department of Economics in Madras University in 1916 was a bicycle enthusiast and was seen riding the bicycle in his early days in Madras.” Other trivia in the book includes how Arthur Hayles, the editor of Madras Mail — the first evening newspaper in India that was published from 1868 to 1981 — did all his reporting on a bicycle. Religious thinker and spiritual head J. Krishnamurti loved cycling and he’d ride with his friends in the morning to Fort St.George. He rode 143 miles in 10 days, a 60 miles ride to Chengalpattu and back.

The booklet takes readers through the era when cycling was the main source of transportation and the cyclists had to adhere to certain rules, failing which they had to face consequences. “Back in the day, only one person was allowed to ride at a time and they couldn’t exceed a particular speed. It strictly stated that the cyclist should not cycle in a manner in which a person or animal is likely to hurt. He should not be reckless and must not damage any public property. All cyclists were required to have mandatory accessories like bicycle lamp/lighting, bell and reflectors. It is said that the defaulters had to pay a fine, if proven guilty,” adds Ramanujar.

Bicycles had been an important part of Tamil Nadu politics too. When MGR became the Chief Minister, he relaxed the norms in 1977. As part of his pro-poor policy, he relaxed many rules and cyclists were now allowed to have a pillion. 

At a time where the city is struggling for space, this booklet takes back into time and introduces the present generation to the models, the manufacturers and personalities related to the cycling industry. “We try to spread awareness through our rides. Through this we have romanticised the activity hoping this will inspire youngsters to take up cycling regularly,” says Ramanujar.