Bhubaneswar, Dec. 7: Bicycles as an alternative mode of transport is gaining popularity in the city.

Professional bicycles, priced much higher than their normal counterparts, are selling like hotcakes.

Bike 22, a store at Saheed Nagar, has sold around 150 pieces since its launch on May 10 this year. The prices range between Rs 15,000 and Rs 1.8 lakh."

Narula's Fitness First that has been dealing in professional bikes for the past three years has sold more than 500 bicycles so far. Their price ranges between Rs 11,000 and Rs 1 lakh.

"Most of the buyers are students. It shows that parents are encouraging their children to opt for the eco-friendly mode of transport," said store's owner Deepak Narula.

"The news about smart city and Raahgiri and no-car days has forced people to think about the need to opt for cycles as a popular mode of transport. The city administration is also gearing up to provide better cycle tracks and pavements and discussion in this regard is taking place on the social media," said Swadhin Das, a student of XIMB.

Swadhin, who was part of the urban mobility survey conducted for the smart city programme, told The Telegraph: "Ninety-two per cent respondents to the survey on urban mobility supported cycle rental scheme and dedicated tracks in the city. The survey included 4,162 respondents from 18 locations in the city."

Ajay Nanda, a member of Bhubaneswar Cycling and Adventure Club (BCAC), said: "For the starters, the entry-level cycle should be fine. But once a person learns the art, he or she should opt for the professional ones. We are happy that people are coming to us for consultation."

Paediatrician Arabinda Mohanty said: "Cycling is also a good form of exercise. Parents should always encourage kids to take up cycles over bikes."

Mohanty also said that if a person started cycling at a tender age, he or she is likely to stay fit throughout his or her life.

"School authorities should charge heavy parking fees from owners of motorised vehicles and make it free for bicycle riders to encourage cycling," he said.

The Bhubaneswar Development Authority, in order to promote non-motorised transport and pedestrians rights over roads, is planning to observe Raahgiri on a particular stretch in the city on December 20. On the designated day, pedestrians and cyclists will rule the roads instead of cars and motorcycles for certain hours.

Raahgiri, a term modelled on Gandhigiri, would be observed on pre-decided stretches with people of all age groups, along with the physically-challenged, playing, practising yoga and doing other activities. the aim is also to get across the message of the bad effects of overuse of vehicles and a stagnant lifestyle. Thirty-six cities in India, including Chandigarh, Gurgaon, Delhi, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Bhopal, are observing "Raahgiri" regularly once a week.