Amritsar doctor pedals 40 km every day to work, sets example

Manmeet Singh Gill

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, February 22

An ardent cyclist, Dr Gurpreet Singh, has set an example for his colleagues and residents by frequently pedalling from Amritsar to his workplace, the Batala Civil Hospital, which is around 40 km away. On most days, he cycles 80 km for almost five hours.

A paediatrician with the Health Department, Dr Gurpreet used to ride cycle during his days of MBBS and during his postgraduation at the Government Medical College.

Talking to The Tribune, he said, “I try to use cycle as much as I can. The thing I like the most about cycling is that you never get stuck in a traffic jam.”

The doctor said his objective was to use cycle as a mode of commute, create awareness about physical fitness and eco-friendly modes of transportation, and curb pollution. “Why spend money at a gym when you can stay fit by cycling?” he said.

At times when cycle is seen as the poor man’s mode of transportation, Dr Gurpreet said he had no such issues. He said at a leisurely speed, it takes over two hours to reach his workplace.

“If we want to encourage people to use cycle, we should have cycle tracks alongside roads and create safe parking spaces in every market,” he added. The doctor was recently felicitated by the administration at the Batala Civil Hospital for using cycle for commuting.