From college days to life as an orthopedic specialist; Thrissur Medical College's 'cycle' doctor

THRISSUR: Bicycle came into the life of Dr CV Krishnakumar (52) when he was young. Even after becoming a renowned doctor, he kept his bicycle close. Krishnakumar, an orthopedic specialist at the Thrissur Government Medical College, still comes to the hospital on a bicycle.

Dr Krishnakumar has to cycle 12 km from his home in the city to reach the hospital in Mulagunnathukavu. It is a 25-minute journey. This has been his habit for the past ten years. He has also cycled to districts including Thiruvananthapuram. He has completed the 600 km Bengaluru - Mysore - Bengaluru BRM cycling event. He also participated in the Coimbatore-Salem ride (400 km).

The journey is on a BMC professional bicycle from Switzerland. It costs more than five lakhs. It is electronically controlled and suitable for long journeys. Wife: Dr. Jeena. Daughter: Gauri (teacher).

Bicycle of own design

• Krishnakumar continued to travel on a bicycle even while studying for MBBS and after getting a job. He got knee problems in the meantime. He participated in long-distance cycling competitions even after the surgery.
• Krishnakumar's next attempt was to make a low-cost bicycle that would not wear out bones. For this, he studied the science of cycling. An imported bicycle sales & service shop called Crank was opened next to the house behind the Girija Theater in Patturaikkal, Thrissur. The land was given free of cost.
• Bicycles that big companies sell for lakhs of rupees are available here at a cheaper price. Among them is the low-cost hybrid bicycle designed by Dr. Krishnakumar. It was launched recently. Crank bicycles are available in many shops in the district.

"I want to do more long rides. I want to inspire ordinary people to cycle. I am also trying to make bicycles available at a low cost."

-Dr. Krishnakumar