86-year old cyclist moots separate lane

VELLORE: Why not a separate lane for cyclists like me  in all cities and towns, asks 86-year old Raju, an ex-serviceman who has been cycling around the Vellore city here for many years, attracting the attention of the passersby.While many elderly persons prefer to cycle, they are scared by chaotic traffic. “If the State government introduces dedicated lanes for cyclists, I think everyone would be encouraged to use bicycles,”he said.Raju, a school drop out hailing from Edayansathu village near Vellore, joined the army and retired from service in 1969. He then joined security services with many reputed companies in Chennai and other cities before returning to Vellore with vision problems. After fixing inter-ocular lenses for both the eyes in 2001, he was able to ride his cycle again.Raju lost his wife in 2008 but continues to live alone despite pleas from one of his sons, who lives in Shenbakkam, about ten km away, to live with him. He says, his ancestral home rejuvenates him and he beats loneliness by cycling!“Cycling keeps me healthy,” Raju says. He suffered with blood pressure issues in the last five years, but regular cycling helped him tide over it. He peddles almost 20 km every day to his son’s house where he spends time with his grand children. He also spends time at the Army Veteran’s Complex near VIT University, where he volunteers his time to help others. “If there is a separate lane for cycles, people would be motivated to cycle; that would help reduce pollution, expenses and the unnecessary tension of travelling by bus,” Raju says.“A separate cycling lane for the aged can help them get over the fear of heavy traffic and help them venture outdoors,” Raju suggested.