Update (Dec. 31, 2021): The Parks and Horticulture Authority in Lahore has recently constructed cycling tracks at various recreational places. Most of these cycling tracks have been planned with greenbelts with thousands of indigenous plants and trees grown around them. Serious efforts are being made by the PHA to provide an increased number of opportunities to people to spend their leisure time in a safe and peaceful environment.
Appreciating the role of PHA in terms of beautification of the city with the element of nature, Special Assistant to Chief Minister Punjab on Information & Special Initiatives, Tourism and PHAs Hasaan Khawar said that the authority is using all its capabilities to enhance the beauty of Lahore.
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To live a fit and healthy life one needs to be active both physically and mentally. Physical activities reduce the risk of serious health issues such as obesity, heart diseases, diabetes and depression. Riding a bicycle is one of the many physical exercises you can do every day and it’s enjoyed by people of all ages. What was used as a mode of transportation in the past has now become a popular type of recreational activity as well as a competitive sport. If the distance from your home to your workplace is just a few kilometres, riding a bicycle to work and back every day will protect you from many health problems associated with a sedentary lifestyle. If not that, you can go cycling in the morning when the roads are relatively less busy or visit a proper cycling route in the evening. Speaking of routes, there are two proper cycling tracks in Lahore where residents can enjoy a safe and splendid bike ride.
Cycling Tracks In Lahore
As mentioned above, cycling was once a popular mode of transportation and riding to work or other places was one of the ways people included exercise in their routine. But the advent of motor vehicles remarkably reduced the time to cover distances and riding bicycles— as we know it — became a leisure activity.
Cycling witnessed an upward trend during the Covid-19 pandemic when physical activities of people drastically reduced and fitness fanatics could no longer go to parks and fitness centres. Bicycle sales and the number of people riding bikes on the roads soared as traffic almost disappeared during lockdowns and air quality improved. All of this led to a temporary shortage — and subsequent higher costs — of bicycles in some countries.
People appreciate and choose to live in an area where there are parks. They can supervise their children while they play around in a secure area. Cycling tracks are also such places where you can ensure your kids’ safety without worrying about traffic or any mishaps. Before we jump to the cycling tracks in Lahore, let’s take a look at some benefits of cycling regularly.
Benefits Of Cycling
The health benefits of cycling are numerous. It is a low impact physical exercise which is less prone to cause any muscle strains or injuries as compared to other activities. Cycling uses all major muscles and doesn’t require a high skill level to learn it. It helps in building stamina, improving muscle coordination and strengthens your legs without overstressing them.
Listed below are a few more health benefits that one can enjoy if they maintain a cycling routine.
- Weight management: Since cycling is a physical activity, it helps you to maintain a balanced weight. It raises the metabolism rate, builds muscle and burns fat which combined with the healthy eating habit can shape up your body.
- Reduced cardiovascular diseases: When you cycle, your organs also workout. Cycling stimulates your muscles and improves the circulation of blood to different parts of your body which means the better supply of oxygen to your body. This reduces the chances of any cardiovascular diseases which include strokes, high blood pressure and heart attack.
- Boost mental health: It is easy to get frustrated from busy work life but maintaining a balance is necessary. Physical activities including cycling help your mind relax, divert and reduce stress or anxiety. Exercising releases endorphins in your body which help your body in lowering the stress.
- Environmentally friendly: Unlike motor vehicles, cycling has no harmful effects on the environment. You don’t burn any kind of fuel to power it and, therefore, there are no carbon emissions.
Now, let’s talk about the two cycling tracks in Lahore that the government has built as part of its efforts to promote healthy living. These two tracks are present in:
- Jilani Park (Racecourse Park)
- Bagh-e-Jinnah.
Jilani Park Cycling Track
Jilani Park, formerly known as Racecourse Park, is one of the most renowned parks in Lahore. The park owes its popularity to the fact that it hosts many family events and galas throughout the year, including Jashn-e-Baharan and flower exhibitions. Administered by Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA), Jilani Park is home to many natural views and a place for many outdoor activities.
The park has a track of 1.8 miles where local residents prefer to come for a morning or evening jog. Moreover, there is a gym as well as a cricket stadium for healthy physical activities. The newest addition to the list of healthy activities in the park is a cycling track.
The Jilani Park Cycling Track was inaugurated by senior PHA officials to promote sports activities. The cycling track opens for the public in the morning and evening and for the convenience of visitors, a cycling trainer is also present. The cycling track is a one-kilometre long route and built around the cricket stadium.
Bagh-e-Jinnah Cycling Track
Bagh-e-Jinnah is another beautiful park in Lahore which is famous for its greenery and colourful flowers. Due to serenity and abundance of natural beauty, it attracts those who want to relax and enjoy nature. The park is named after the founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and was formerly known as Lawrence Garden, named after John Lawrence a viceroy of India.
There are many activities one can do including picnic, jogging, sports and studying in a library inside the park. In September 2020, Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) inaugurated a cycling track with a vision to encourage more people for physical activities which will reduce the number of patients in hospitals. The cycling track is supervised by a cycling coach who is available in mornings as well as evenings to provide cycling guidance to those seeking it.
Cycling Gear You Will Need
Planning on going cycling? You will need a few cycling essentials as well as safety equipment that will protect you from any injuries and accidents.
Let’s look at the cycling essentials list:
- Bicycle
- Water bottle
- Multi tool kit
- Bike seat bag or lightweight backpack
- Lock
Once you have invested in a bicycle, you need to ensure your safety before you go cycling. Safety gear will protect you from any injury or accident you may encounter during your ride. You will need:
- Bicycle helmet
- Glasses
- Lights (front and rear both)
- Elbow and knee pads
- Sunscreen
Cycling becomes more fun if you have some buddies to ride with you. It keeps you active and fit and it can also be a way of killing boredom. If you are cycling on a busy road, stay in your lane and look on both sides while crossing roads. Installing a flashlight in front of your bicycle will help you see the way if you are riding after sunset and also alert nearby pedestrians and cars. A reflector on the back will alert vehicles about your presence in their front.
If you found our overview of cycling tracks in Lahore useful, please check out our blog on cycling tracks in Islamabad as well.
If you are planning on exploring Lahore, you should check out why Lahore secured a spot On ‘52 Places To Love In 2021′.
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