The study analyzed data from a nationwide education survey, showing that the overall percentage of students cycling to school increased from 6.6% in 2007 to 11.2% in 2017, with rural cycling rates doubling over the decade.

State-run free bicycle distribution schemes, initiated in 2004, have been particularly effective in improving school enrollment and retention for girls, addressing higher dropout rates due to household chores and long walks.

Bhuvaneshwari Kumari, a health worker, noted that access to bicycles has boosted girls' confidence and increased school attendance, with many receiving bicycles for free.

Nibha Kumari, a 27-year-old from Bihar, credits a bicycle provided by the state government with transforming her life and enabling her to complete high school, cycling two hours daily to school and coaching classes.

A peer-reviewed study published in ScienceDirect reveals a significant increase in cycling among rural girls in India, with participation rising from 4.5% in 2007 to 11% in 2017, indicating a reduction in the gender gap in cycling.

Many girls in rural India face challenges accessing education due to unreliable public transport and cultural barriers, making cycling a crucial alternative for mobility.

The increase in cycling among girls is part of a broader effort to reduce gender inequality in mobility and education access in India.

Despite the progress, cycling representation remains unequal by gender, with only 4.7% of women using bicycles for commuting compared to 21.7% of men, highlighting persistent patriarchal norms.

States like Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, and Chhattisgarh have seen the most significant growth in cycling among students, reflecting the country's unique demographic challenges.

Cycling is increasingly recognized as a key pathway for reducing carbon emissions and ensuring planetary habitability, with global policy attention growing.

Cycling contributes to health benefits by reducing mortality risk and promoting daily physical activity, making it an important aspect of public health.