Meet the first Bicycle Mayor from Mumbai

After being called Mulund Ki Cyclewali and Fizzy Cyclist, Firoza Suresh has earned yet another title — Bicycle Mayor! Say ‘hello’ to 47-year-old cycling activist, who is to the saddle born. Enjoying cycling since the age of seven, Firoza says she can’t imagine a single day without hopping on to her wheels. In a chat with BT, she talks about her plans to get more Mumbaikars to cycle, changing the paradigm and living her dream.
‘No dearth of leisure cyclists, but there is a block about cycling to work’
The concept of a Bicycle Mayor was initiated by an Amsterdam-based NGO that introduced a mission of ‘50/30’, which entails getting people to make 50 percent of their commute trips by cycles to reduce carbon emissions.“Did you know Mumbai is edging close to Delhi as the most polluted city in India?” asks Firoza, who comes from an advertising background. In a bid to do something for the environment, she coupled it with her passion for cycling and initiated the pedalling to work campaign. “You really have to be out there to walk the talk. Since 2012, I’ve been advocating people to cycle to work. Today, there are a bunch of leisure cyclists who may get out at 6am for a ride, but they don’t use it to go to work. Why is that? They know the route, love cycling and the traffic is slow during peak hours, but people still have a block about cycling to work. We need to tackle that issue,” she says.
In 2017, Firoza learnt of the Bicycle Mayor programme during her visit to a velocity conference in Amsterdam. “The officials have been in touch with me on the work that I have been doing since then. In January this year, they communicated to me that I’ve been chosen as Bicycle Mayor. I received an acknowledgement from Ajoy Mehta, municipal commissioner, MCGM and RA Rajeev, metropolitan commissioner, MMRDA on this, which was such a proud moment for me,” she informs. With the addition of Firoza, there are now six bicycle mayors in the country today, who will focus on making India a cycling nation.
‘Mumbai can become a bicycle capital of India’
Today, there are several groups that ride for leisure in the city — from midnight cyclists to heritage cyclists. Says Firoza, “You also have quite a few cyclothons taking place, now. All this is good, as it goes to building up the ridership in the city.” Social media also plays a pivotal role, where you’ll find the new mayor regularly posting about the benefits of cycling, themed rides, cycling safety and more.
The cycling activist walks the talk and follows a cycling routine of 15-20 kms daily. “I do this during my work commute and at times, I also do a breakfast brun-maska chai ride with my buddies. Ever since I’ve become a Bicycle Mayor, they are so keen to catch up and discuss the developments in the cycling world,” she reveals, adding that the city has several areas that are apt for pedalling in. “Aarey has some fantastic trails, so does, Sanjay Gandhi National Park. You can also cycle at iconic heritage areas around Gateway of India, NCPA, CST, Babulnath, Uttan and Marve Jetty. The idea is to not just get hobby riders, but people across ages and walks of life to saddle up. This will reduce congestion and pollution,” says Firoza, adding, “Mumbai is a linear city and it’s easy to make it a lighthouse bicycle capital of India. But this cannot be done by just one or two persons, we need a whole team of planners as well as the cycling community to think as one.”
Who is a Bicycle Mayor?
Bicycle Mayor is an individual appointed to promote the cause of cycling, and most of the top cities in the world have one.
Meeting up Mumbai’s dabbawalas for safer commute
Firoza recently met up with Raghunath Medge from Mumbai Dabbawala Association. “I wanted to understand their concerns,” she explains, adding, “They have a few peeves, which include lack of additional support and facilites. I’m trying to see if they can get a basic shed or electric cycles at zero per cent EMI to ease their commute. They are such an intrinsic part of our city, who share the road with everyone else. We have to ensure that they continue to ride without facing any hitch.”
What’s on the Bicycle Mayor’s mind
Wanting to be a catalyst for change, Firoza plans to...
- Secure bicycle stands and sensitise organisations for shower facilities
- Support public bike-sharing system
- Better infrastructure for cycling on city roads
- Focus on increasing the bicycle ridership for short commute
- Hold workshops in schools and colleges to create awareness on benefits of cycling