THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: When she was young, Beena used to watch her brothers ride bicycles. However, the argument within her conservative family was that women should not use cycles. When I started learning to cycle at the age of 50, the locals asked me, "What can I achieve after learning to cycle?" Beena is now 52, and it's been two years since she overcame health issues and teasing. She became a mentor for women who are passionate about cycling, just like her.

Beena, a native of Kudappanakunnu, Thiruvananthapuram has taught more than 300 women. Even when I got a job in the NCC office, the desire to learn cycling still lingered. My younger daughter Madhur had won cycle racing competitions. While accompanying her daughter for training, the old desire resurfaced.

Prakash P Gopinath known as the bicycle mayor of Thiruvananthapuram, was her mentor. Varicose veins and arthritis posed challenges, but in the following two months, she managed to learn cycling.

Joining the Amsterdam-based organization "Bikes" marked a turning point. After announcing that I was ready to provide lessons for women who wished to learn cycling like me, the organization generously provided bicycles. By 2030, "Bikes" aims to have half of the world's population using bicycles. Training sessions are held before 10 am and after 5 pm at Jagathi, Poojapura and Shankhumugam. Even cancer patients, polio survivors, individuals dealing with depression and others have joined as students. Many people have reported significant improvement in their conditions after participating in cycling studies. This includes individuals ranging from 3-year-old children to 67-year-old women. No financial reward is sought. On Saturdays and Sundays, long trips are organized with the students. I also hold the position of secretary at "Sheroes," a women's cycling organization.

Her husband, Nanaiah is a retired Army officer. Children are Milan, a B.D.S. student and Madhur, a plus two student at Pattam Kendriya Vidyalaya. Despite knowing how to drive a car, she prefer traveling by bicycle.

Introducing cycle tracks in hospitals for patients with lifestyle-related ailments could potentially reduce morbidity. I was able to stop taking blood pressure pills after I started cycling. My goal is the empowerment of women, not financial gain.

— Bina