Bhubaneswar, July 16: Scientists and environmentalists have long promoted cycling as a healthy and non-polluting way of travel, but as a trend, it has only caught on recently. Bhubaneswar, which is set to become a smart city, has also embraced cycling with residents showing particular interest in the activity.

Although cycling is at a nascent stage in the city, some groups are encouraging people to take to it up not only for adventure but also as a mode of transport on a daily basis. Bhubaneswar Cycling and Adventure Club is among many such groups. The club uses Facebook to invite cycling enthusiasts to come together and plan cycling adventures. Club member Ajay Nanda, 30, said connecting with people who share a common passion defined the club's objective.

Nanda said the club members have cycled at night from Bhubaneswar to Puri to Konark and back, covering 160km. He said: "Cycling not only helps maintain fitness but is a great way to experience nature."

Nanda, who has started a start-up venture 22bikes in the city, said Bhubaneswar residents were no longer averse to buying high-end cycles.

Key initiatives among Bhubaneswar's smart city proposal include construction of dedicated cycle tracks and pedestrian footpaths along key transport corridors. Mayor Anant Narayan Jena said the civic body had identified spots for construction of the tracks.

"Such tracks are already in place on the stretch between AG Square and Capital Hospital Square. We will construct more tracks," he said.

Jena said the civic body had been promoting cycling at the weekly Raahgiri event. "Bicycle rides offered at Raahgiri have been a major hit," he said, adding that the civic body in partnership with an NGO was allowing people to use bicycles against a refundable fee of Rs 100. You can avail this service at major IOCL petrol stations by producing identity proof.

Soumya Dash, 19, a BSc student, said the city's youngsters were keen to pursue cycling as a hobby.