Nangal, June 8
More than 1,000 cyclists, runners, students, fitness enthusiasts and community members participated in The Bhakra Ride 2.0 organised by Nangal By Cycle (NBC) at the BBMB Auditorium in Nangal to mark World Bicycle Day and promote the Fit India Movement on Sunday.
Supported by the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) and the Ministry of Power, the event focused on encouraging fitness, road safety awareness, community engagement, and social responsibility.
The programme began with participant registration followed by a Bhangra warm-up session. Participants took part in three categories, including the 25-kilometer Bhakra Ride to the Bhakra Dam area, the 10-kilometre City Ride for cycling enthusiasts, and the 5-kilometer Fun Ride and Run designed for families, children, senior citizens, walkers, runners, and first-time cyclists.
Extensive security arrangements were put in place by the Punjab Police and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) to ensure the safety of participants throughout the event.
Among those present were Punjab Director General of Police Gurpreet Kaur Deo, DSP Naveen Pal Singh Lehal, CISF Commandant Prateek Raghuvanshi, BBMB Chief Engineer Er. C.P. Singh, Executive Engineer Er. Surinder Dimaan and Nangal By Cycle mentor Ramesh Chandra Singh, IPS (Retd.).
Addressing the gathering, Gurpreet Kaur Deo highlighted the importance of adopting active lifestyles and making fitness an integral part of daily life.
“Cycling is one of the simplest and most effective ways to stay healthy and active. Initiatives like Nangal By Cycle not only promote physical well-being but also strengthen community engagement, road safety awareness and positive social change,” she said.
She also urged participants to follow traffic regulations and use protective gear, including helmets, while cycling.
Apart from promoting fitness, the event also served as a platform for social awareness initiatives. In collaboration with SOTTO Punjab and Livasa Hospitals, participants were educated about organ donation and encouraged to support the life-saving cause. Awareness regarding responsible road usage and traffic discipline was also promoted during the programme.
Medical support was provided by Livasa Hospitals, with healthcare teams and ambulance services stationed throughout the event.
Speaking on the occasion, Rohit Garg, Founder of Nangal By Cycle, said The Bhakra Ride 2.0 represented more than a sporting event and reflected a broader movement aimed at promoting fitness, volunteerism, environmental awareness, road safety, and community service.
“The Bhakra Ride 2.0 is not just a cycling event. It is a movement that promotes fitness, community spirit, volunteerism, road safety, environmental awareness, and social responsibility,” he said.
The programme concluded with a felicitation ceremony honouring dignitaries, volunteers, sponsors, media representatives and support teams, followed by refreshments and community interaction activities.
Organisers said the success of The Bhakra Ride 2.0 has further strengthened NBC’s mission to promote cycling, fitness, road safety, blood donation, organ donation awareness and volunteerism across more than 100 villages in the region.
