In a remarkable event celebrating World Bicycle Day and World No Tobacco Day, Star Hospitals Financial District, in collaboration with the Hyderabad Cyclist Group and Samatha Yuva Sangha, organized a cycling rally to raise awareness about the adverse effects of tobacco on health and to promote cycling as a healthy lifestyle choice. Held on Sunday morning, the event saw participation from over 200 members of the three organizations.
The 25-kilometer cycling rally was flagged off from Star Hospitals Financial District by senior doctors from Star Hospitals, alongside office bearers from the Hyderabad Cyclist Group and Samatha Yuva Sangha. The event aimed not only to highlight the dangers of tobacco use but also to inspire the community to embrace cycling for better health.
Dr. Gopichand Mannam, Managing Director of Star Group of Hospitals Hyderabad, emphasized the importance of creating safe infrastructure for walking and cycling. "According to the World Health Organization (WHO), safe infrastructure for walking and cycling is also a pathway for achieving greater health equity. For the poorest urban sector, who often cannot afford private vehicles, walking and cycling provide a form of transport while reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, certain cancers, diabetes, and even death. Accordingly, improved active transport is not only healthy; it is also equitable and cost-effective."
Mr. Ravindra Reddy, President of the Hyderabad Cyclist Group Association, highlighted the significant health benefits of regular physical activity. "Regular physical activity of moderate intensity – such as walking, cycling, or doing sports – has significant benefits for health. At all ages, the benefits of being physically active outweigh potential harm, for example, through accidents. Some physical activity is better than none. By becoming more active throughout the day in relatively simple ways, people can quite easily achieve the recommended activity levels."
The collaborative effort by Star Hospitals, the Hyderabad Cyclist Group, and Samatha Yuva Sangha underscores the importance of community engagement in promoting public health initiatives. This event marks a significant step towards creating a healthier and more active society by encouraging individuals to adopt cycling and reduce tobacco use.