Over 500 athletes from across Chennai gathered at Mayajaal in the early hours of Mar.10, to take part in the annual fundraiser ‘Chennai Cyclists (WCCG) Aalam Deepam Chennai Duathlon 2024’.
The event by Chennai Cyclists was held for their initiative ‘Humans of Cycling’. Apart from the event at Mayajaal, over 300 athletes participated virtually in the event from their respective places of residence. Held in 5 categories, the event raised about Rs. 1.7 lakhs.
The Humans of Cycling initiative was launched in August 2020 jointly by Aalam – the Social arm of WCCG and CommuteBiCycle – the commuter initiative of WCCG. Through this program, beneficiaries whose lives may be made easier with a bicycle are identified and are provided with a sturdy bicycle, free of cost. “This resolves their mobility and transportation difficulties and supports them in their livelihood,” said a statement from WCCG. Beneficiaries range from fishmongers, flower wholesalers, domestic helpers, milk vendors and students who work part-time at odd jobs, cobblers, fruit sellers and so on. To date, 343 bicycles have been donated under the Humans of Cycling program.
“Through the Aalam Deepam Chennai Duathlon 2024, we have raised funds for about 62 bicycles. For the present year we have set ourselves a target of 150 bicycles, which means we still need to raise funds for 88 bicycles,” explains the WCCG team.
Apart from monetary contributions, WCCG welcomes the public to donate their bicycles which are not being used, but are in usable condition. WCCG will gladly identify the appropriate beneficiary and act as a conduit between donor and receiver in handing over the donated bicycle.
For the uninitiated, WCCG-Chennai Cyclists is one of the largest organised cycling groups in Chennai with over 5000 members. It has 20 chapters across the city that organise daily early morning rides.
To know more about how you could be a part of this noble endeavour write to [email protected]
