For years, Ravi Netha has been associated with Hyderabad Cycling Revolution (HCR), a community of cyclists, volunteers, families, and active citizens promoting cycling, public transport, and sustainable mobility across Hyderabad and Telangana.
“I’m a civil engineer by profession. After completing my master’s degree in London, I gained global experience in the field before moving into real-estate advisory work in Hyderabad.
Alongside my professional journey, I’ve remained involved with Hyderabad Cycling Revolution. What I value most about HCR is that it has never been about one individual. Every ride, awareness campaign, and community initiative is made possible by cyclists, volunteers, families, and supporters working towards a common purpose.
People often think cycling is only about fitness. Over the years, I’ve come to see it as much more than that. It connects health, active lifestyles, public transport, urban mobility, and fuel dependency.
This World Bicycle Day, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to reduce fuel imports and support India’s economic interests, more than 250 cyclists, runners, children, and families came together to form a giant Indian Rupee (₹) symbol. Through that formation, we wanted to highlight the connection between reducing fuel consumption and strengthening the economy. Every fuel-free kilometre travelled through cycling, walking, or public transport contributes in its own way.
Our message has never been that people should stop using vehicles completely. We simply encourage people to make conscious choices whenever possible. For shorter distances, daily errands, and routine travel, cycling, walking, and public transport can be effective alternatives.
For me, the larger goal has always been sustainable mobility. Cycling is one part of that conversation, but so are walking and public transport. We often speak about first-mile and last-mile connectivity because cities work best when people have multiple mobility options rather than depending on a single mode of transport.
One of the most encouraging changes I’ve witnessed is why people are joining cycling communities today. Earlier, fitness was often the primary motivation. Now, many people are looking for better mental well-being, an active lifestyle, and a supportive community. Work pressure, health concerns, and the demands of modern life have made active communities more important than ever.
It’s equally encouraging to see cycling culture spreading beyond Hyderabad. Many people who once rode in the city are now active in their hometowns across Telangana, helping new groups grow and inspiring others to adopt active lifestyles. If any community wants to start a similar initiative, we’re always willing to share our experience and support them.
I’ve always believed in consistency. Meaningful change doesn’t happen overnight. It happens when people continue showing up, continue believing in a purpose, and continue working towards it year after year. That’s what keeps me involved in this journey.”
— Ravi Netha