Beyond June 3rd trend: 52-year-old courier who lives World Bicycle Day, 50 kilometres at a time

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: On World Bicycle Day, while fitness enthusiasts dust off their high-end multi-gear cycles for ceremonial morning rides, 52-year-old R. Padmanabhan is navigating the bustling streets of Kerala's capital on a relic from the past. For Padmanabhan, a courier delivery executive, his sturdy, decades-old Hercules bicycle isn't a weekend hobby—it is his livelihood, his health insurance, and his constant companion.

Residents of Petta, a neighbourhood in Thiruvananthapuram, know him well. Living at 'Baby Nivas' on Aksharaveedhi Road, Padmanabhan has spent his entire adult life on two wheels. At an age when many are battling lifestyle diseases, his medical chart is entirely clean. He credits this vibrant health to the very machine that keeps him moving.

Gift that outlasted trends

The story of Padmanabhan’s Hercules goes back to his teenage years. When he cleared his SSLC (10th grade) examinations, his father, V. Ramachandran—a former BSNL employee—presented him with the bicycle as a reward.

While his peers, colleagues, and friends eventually graduated to motorbikes and scooters, Padmanabhan stayed loyal to his father’s gift. The bicycle even adapted to his milestones; after his marriage, his wife, Andal, became a frequent passenger on the carrier seat.

Today, he covers an astonishing average of 50 kilometers daily to deliver courier packets, pedalling from his office in Muttathara to distant suburbs like Kulasekharam and Pallippuram.

Weathering the storms

Padmanabhan’s dedication to his routine is unwavering, particularly during Kerala's notoriously heavy monsoon seasons. While he takes meticulous care to protect his cargo—wrapping every parcel securely inside plastic covers before placing them in his bag—he extends no such luxury to himself.

"I don't use a raincoat or a hat. I actually enjoy riding in the rain," Padmanabhan says with a smile. "Once I get back home, I just take a shower in cold water. That is my routine, and I’ve never fallen sick because of it."

His commitment to cycling has also influenced the next generation. Padmanabhan ensured that his children grew up with the same appreciation for cycling. His son, P. Jayavishnu, has completed his B.Tech degree, while his daughter, P. Manoranjitha, is currently a third-year engineering student. Both received bicycles as their primary gifts from their father.

To keep his vintage ride roadworthy, Padmanabhan ensures it undergoes regular maintenance. The brakes, pedals, and chain are serviced frequently at a local workshop, keeping the classic machine in peak condition.

Anatomy of a Healthier Ride

Padmanabhan's lifestyle aligns perfectly with what medical professionals have been advocating for years. In an era dominated by sedentary desk jobs and vehicular pollution, cycling offers a simple antidote to modern ailments.

Benefits of Pedalling

Cardiovascular Health: Doctors note that just 30 minutes of daily cycling significantly boosts heart health.

Longevity: Public health studies suggest that every hour spent cycling can add an equivalent hour to your life expectancy.

Zero Bureaucracy: Unlike motor vehicles, a bicycle requires no driving license, no pollution certificate, and zero road tax.

Safety: It remains one of the lowest-risk modes of commuting in dense urban environments.

As cities grapple with rising fuel prices and worsening traffic congestion, Padmanabhan’s daily 50-kilometre journey serves as a quiet, powerful reminder that sometimes, the simplest technology from our past holds the best solution for our future.