Chennai, a bustling metropolis known for its vibrant culture and rich heritage, has seen a remarkable surge in cycling enthusiasm over the past decade. What was once considered a niche activity has transformed into a movement, with cycling clubs, passionate individuals, and community-driven initiatives reshaping the city's streets and spirit. From early morning rides along the scenic East Coast Road to heritage trails exploring Chennai’s historical gems, the cycling community is thriving, fostering fitness, camaraderie, and environmental consciousness. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the cycling fervour in Chennai, spotlighting prominent groups and individuals who are leading the charge, along with links to their websites and social handles.
Cycling in Chennai has evolved from a recreational pastime to a lifestyle choice, with thousands of residents embracing it for fitness, commuting, and even competitive racing. The flat terrain of the city, coupled with scenic routes like East Coast Road (ECR), Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR), and Pallavaram Hills, makes Chennai an ideal playground for cyclists. The lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic further fueled this trend, as people sought outdoor activities for stress relief and fitness when gyms and pools were closed. According to a 2011 report by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), 37% of Chennai households owned bicycles, the highest among Indian cities, though infrastructure challenges persist. Today, the city’s cycling community is pushing for safer roads and dedicated cycle lanes to make Chennai a cyclist-friendly hub.
The sense of community is at the heart of this cycling boom. Group rides offer safety, motivation, and a chance to connect with like-minded individuals. Social media platforms like Strava and Facebook have played a pivotal role in bringing cyclists together, enabling them to track rides, share routes, and plan events. Let’s explore some of the prominent cycling groups and individuals driving this movement in Chennai.
Chennai offers a variety of scenic and cyclist-friendly routes that cater to both casual riders and seasoned enthusiasts. The East Coast Road (ECR) is a favorite for its picturesque coastal views, stretching from Thiruvanmiyur to Mahabalipuram, ideal for long weekend rides. Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR) provides a flat, wide stretch perfect for speed and endurance training, though caution is needed due to traffic. Pallavaram Hills offer a challenging uphill ride with rewarding city views. For a serene escape, Puzhal Lake and Pulicat Lake provide tranquil trails surrounded by nature, while Poondi Dam and Yelagiri are popular for adventurous off-road rides. These routes, often explored by groups like WCCG and Cycling Yogis, blend fitness with Chennai’s natural and cultural charm.
1. We Are Chennai Cycling Group (WCCG)
Founded in 2012, We Are Chennai Cycling Group (WCCG) is one of the largest and most active cycling communities in Chennai, boasting over 5,000 members across 15 chapters in neighborhoods like Anna Nagar, Tambaram, OMR/ECR, Porur, and Ashok Nagar. WCCG organizes regular rides, including weekday short rides (30-35 km) and weekend long rides (100-150 km), catering to both beginners and seasoned cyclists. Their motto, “No Helmet, No Ride,” emphasizes safety, and they enforce strict rules like using tail lights, reflective vests, and single-lane riding.
WCCG is not just about cycling; it’s about building a movement. They host events like the Chennai Cycling Thiruvizha, a festival featuring workshops, guest lectures, and cycle brand showcases, and the Aalam Deepam Chennai Duathlon, which supports initiatives like donating bicycles to livelihood cyclists. Their recent events, such as the Determination 150Km and Happiness 50Km virtual rides (October 20 to November 3, 2024), and the Ultimatum 1199km Ultra Enduro Series, showcase their commitment to endurance and community engagement.
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2. Cycling Yogis
Cycling Yogis, founded in 2012 by Ramanujar Moulana, combines a passion for cycling with a deep appreciation for Chennai’s heritage. Unlike traditional cycling groups, Cycling Yogis focuses on heritage tourism, organizing rides to historical sites like Pulicat Lake and Georgetown. Their trails, meticulously documented with QR codes and route maps, have gained international recognition, including a feature in *The Guardian* and collaboration with The Goethe Institute in Germany. In 2022, they received the Tamil Nadu State Tourism Award for their efforts.
With over 100 heritage trails, Cycling Yogis celebrates festivals like Republic Day and Madras Day through themed rides. Their 13th anniversary celebration in April 2025 at TTDC Drive-in Restaurant highlighted their commitment to community and history. Ramanujar, an avid cyclist since 2010, envisions making Chennai the cycling capital of the world, promoting bicycles as a sustainable mode of transport through initiatives like “Commute Bicycle.”
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3. Spokespersons
Spokespersons is a smaller, tight-knit group of about 20 cyclists who focus on long-distance weekend rides, often covering 70 km along scenic routes like ECR. Led by members like Girija Venkatesan, the group emphasizes the joy of cycling amidst nature, with rides offering views of sunrises, villages, and greenery. While less formal than WCCG, Spokespersons fosters a strong sense of camaraderie and encourages members to explore lesser-known trails like Puzhal Lake and Poondi Dam. Safety remains a concern, with members advocating for better infrastructure to protect cyclists from reckless drivers.
4. Triban Roadies
Triban Roadies is a fledgling group that caters to cyclists seeking adventure off the beaten path. They organize rides to destinations like Puzhal Lake, Pulicat Lake, Poondi Dam, and Yelagiri, avoiding main roads for safety and scenic appeal. The group is known for its inclusive approach, welcoming cyclists of all skill levels, and focuses on exploratory rides that combine fitness with discovery.
1. Lakshmi Thangadurai
Lakshmi Thangadurai, a 24-year-old cyclist from Panaiyur, ECR, emerged as a sensation in 2016 when she won gold in the Women’s Road Race at the Tamil Nadu State Meet, qualifying for the nationals. A member of WCCG’s OMR/ECR chapter, Lakshmi started with pleasure rides before training under coach Gratian Mathew Govias. Her rigorous training helped her cover 40 km at an average speed of 32 km/hr, earning her a silver in the team event as well. Lakshmi, also an organizer for WCCG rides, aspires to represent India internationally, inspired by her peers who have joined the national cycling team.
2. Felix John
Felix John holds the distinction of being Chennai’s first Bicycle Mayor, an honor bestowed by BYCS, an Amsterdam-based social enterprise promoting active cycling. A passionate advocate for cyclist-friendly infrastructure, Felix pushes for dedicated cycle lanes and safer roads, drawing inspiration from cities like Amsterdam and Copenhagen. His work focuses on making cycling a viable mode of urban commuting, addressing challenges like reckless driving and poor visibility.
3. Ramanujar Moulana
As the founder of Cycling Yogis, Ramanujar Moulana has been cycling since his school days and turned his passion into a mission in 2010. His vision to blend cycling with heritage exploration has made Cycling Yogis a unique group, earning accolades like the Tamil Nadu State Tourism Award. Ramanujar’s leadership has inspired countless Chennaiites to pedal through history, making him a pivotal figure in the city’s cycling community.
4. Divagaran Thiyagarajan
A co-founder of WCCG, Divagaran Thiyagarajan has been instrumental in growing the group from a small circle of friends in Anna Nagar to a city-wide community with over 1,500 active members across 16 chapters. His vision aligns with making Chennai the cycling capital of the world, emphasizing group rides for motivation and safety. Divagaran’s leadership has helped WCCG organize high-profile events like the Chennai Cycling Thiruvizha and advocate for better cycling infrastructure.
Despite the cycling fervour, Chennai’s cyclists face significant challenges. The lack of dedicated cycle lanes, reckless driving, and poor road conditions make cycling risky, especially on busy roads. Soumiya, a college student and cyclist, aptly notes, “Dedicated cycle lanes and smoother roads are no longer luxuries — they’re necessities.” Groups like WCCG are in talks with the Smart City Mission to push for cyclist-friendly infrastructure, believing that a people’s movement can drive change. The Chennai Street Design Project, launched in 2012, aims to allocate 60% of the transport budget to non-motorized transit, but progress has been slow
Safety concerns also extend to visibility and road respect. Cyclists like Girija Venkatesan highlight issues with truck drivers and auto rickshaws flashing headlights or disregarding cyclists. Advocacy from figures like Felix John and community efforts by WCCG and Cycling Yogis are crucial in pushing for policy changes, with inspiration drawn from Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and DGP C. Sylendra Babu, both cyclists themselves.
Chennai’s cycling community welcomes everyone, from beginners to pros. If you’re new to cycling, groups like WCCG offer rental cycles and beginner-friendly rides, ensuring you have the gear and guidance to start. Apps like Strava are highly recommended for tracking rides and connecting with local cyclists. To join a group, check out their social media pages or websites for ride schedules and chapter coordinators. Safety is paramount—always wear a helmet, carry a water bottle, and equip your bike with lights for night rides.
For those interested in competitive cycling, WCCG’s Enduro Series and duathlons provide thrilling challenges. If heritage is your passion, Cycling Yogis’ trails offer a unique blend of fitness and history. Whatever your interest, Chennai’s cycling community has something for everyone.
Chennai’s cycling fervour is more than a trend—it’s a movement towards a healthier, greener, and more connected city. Groups like WCCG and Cycling Yogis, along with individuals like Lakshmi Thangadurai, Felix John, Ramanujar Moulana, and Divagaran Thiyagarajan, are pedaling the way forward, inspiring thousands to embrace cycling. By fostering community, advocating for better infrastructure, and celebrating Chennai’s heritage, they’re rewriting the city’s rhythm, one ride at a time. So, grab your helmet, join a chapter, and pedal into Chennai’s vibrant cycling scene!
Let’s make Chennai the cycling capital of the world!
