Vasant Dhadwe, Cyclist of Pune

Age: 62 years
Occupation: Newspaper vendor
Cycling since: 15 years old

In the heart of Pune, where the bustling city streets get crowded with an ever-increasing number of two-wheelers, there lives a man named Vasant Dhadwe. At 62 years old, Vasant has been a devoted cyclist since the age of 15. Cycling in Pune has become a daring feat, especially with the rapid surge in the number of motorbikes on the roads. These mechanical beasts race past him, dangerously close, at times even threatening to unbalance him. But Vasant has his own strategy to navigate this urban jungle; he chooses to pedal along the roads less traveled.

Vasant is settled near Dandekar Pul, a bridge that is an epicenter of chaos during rush hours. But he prefers his secret route, a pathway known only to him and the trusted bicycle he has ridden for decades. No matter the increasing distance, the lanes of Prabhat road are better rather than navigating the chaos of the main route.

Vasant sees cycling as more than just commute; it is a ritual, a celebration of life and good health. His morning routine consists of the rhythmic movement of his legs spinning the pedals, and the soft hum of the city dawn. Vasant is a newspaper vendor, and his livelihood depends entirely on this trade. Rain or shine, he loads his bicycle with newspapers before dawn and sets off on his route, delivering the latest news to eager readers across the city, faithfully doing so for nearly two decades.

Our curiosity pitched this question to him, "Wouldn't you like to upgrade to a motorized two-wheeler if you had the chance?" "No" he replied with conviction. "I don't think I can afford a motorbike, especially with the ever-increasing fuel prices. Besides, my bicycle incurs very little expense, only when there's a puncture to mend or a tire to replace."

In a world where everyone seems to be in a perpetual rush, Vasant is a reminder that sometimes, the slower and simpler path could be the most fulfilling one. With each turn of his bicycle's wheels, he carries not just newspapers but also a message of contentment, resilience, and the enduring beauty of a life well-lived.

But is the city supporting him equally? What is being done to take care of his safety on roads?

Vasant is one of numerous cyclists of Pune. You can learn more about their stories here.

“Cyclists of Pune” is a series by Parisar, a civil society organisation which came into being in 1981 on World Environment Day. Cities succumbed to structures of concrete and steel, trees were indiscriminately felled for road expansion, and open spaces started vanishing. This is where localised efforts began and to safeguard the urban environment. Parisar deals with issues of urban planning, sustainable transport, air quality and road safety. The approach for bringing about sustainable, effective changes in these areas is through research, policy advocacy and public engagement. Parisar advocates for more livable, equitable and healthy cities where it is easy, safe and comfortable to walk, cycle and use public transport.