NEW DELHI: The accident involving top cyclist Esow Alben – India’s first World Championships medallist – has brought to light serious safety concerns over cycling on the Capital’s roads.
It has once again again highlighted poor infrastructure and hazardous conditions faced even by champion cyclists, leave alone everyday ones in the city.
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Esow, along with his India teammates, was on his daily training routine when he was struck from behind by two speeding motorbikers on the road near to the Indira Gandhi (IG) stadium early Wednesday morning. He managed to escape with minor injuries to his hands and bottom, but the rear wheel of his customised cycle was completely damaged in the impact and now requires repair.
According to data shared by Delhi Police, the city witnessed 28 road accidents involving cyclists in the first three months of 2025 alone, which claimed 10 lives. In 2024, 53 people lost their lives in a total of 149 accidents while 106 were injured. In 2023, 30 cyclists died and 118 were injured in 141 accidents. Esow, the 24-year old from Andaman and Nicobar Islands lives and trains at the Sports Authority of India (SAI)-run cycling academy inside the IG complex, which features a world-class velodrome. The academy accommodates the Indian sprint team, comprising 20-25 residential cyclists including top cyclists Ronaldo Singh, Rojit Singh and Jemsh Singh, primarily trains indoors but occasionally ventures outside the stadium.
The endurance road racers train at NIS Patiala, where road conditions are considerably safer. Esow said he was lucly that he emerged from the accident unscathed.
“I can call myself lucky. There could have been a major tragedy and I could have suffered career-threatening injuries. The bikers were speeding at over 100 km/h. I was in my lane, yet they hit me. The people should show some respect to cyclists. The experience has left me shaken,” he told TOI.
Citing insufficient road safety awareness Cycling Federation of India ’s ( CFI ) secy gen Maninder Pal Singh said cyclists face persistent risks during on Delhi roads.
“The lack of road safety awareness is a big issue in the Capital and we have raised it on several public forums,” Singh said.
“Esow was a bit late for training. At a sharp curve, he was hit by two motorbikers. Thankfully, he escaped with minor injuries. We have given him an alternate cycle,” he added.
“The cyclists are accompanied by coaches and doctors. The support staff rides on motorbikes, with two leading in the front and two at the back for safety,” explained Singh.
It has once again again highlighted poor infrastructure and hazardous conditions faced even by champion cyclists, leave alone everyday ones in the city.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel.
Esow, along with his India teammates, was on his daily training routine when he was struck from behind by two speeding motorbikers on the road near to the Indira Gandhi (IG) stadium early Wednesday morning. He managed to escape with minor injuries to his hands and bottom, but the rear wheel of his customised cycle was completely damaged in the impact and now requires repair.
According to data shared by Delhi Police, the city witnessed 28 road accidents involving cyclists in the first three months of 2025 alone, which claimed 10 lives. In 2024, 53 people lost their lives in a total of 149 accidents while 106 were injured. In 2023, 30 cyclists died and 118 were injured in 141 accidents. Esow, the 24-year old from Andaman and Nicobar Islands lives and trains at the Sports Authority of India (SAI)-run cycling academy inside the IG complex, which features a world-class velodrome. The academy accommodates the Indian sprint team, comprising 20-25 residential cyclists including top cyclists Ronaldo Singh, Rojit Singh and Jemsh Singh, primarily trains indoors but occasionally ventures outside the stadium.
The endurance road racers train at NIS Patiala, where road conditions are considerably safer. Esow said he was lucly that he emerged from the accident unscathed.
“I can call myself lucky. There could have been a major tragedy and I could have suffered career-threatening injuries. The bikers were speeding at over 100 km/h. I was in my lane, yet they hit me. The people should show some respect to cyclists. The experience has left me shaken,” he told TOI.
Citing insufficient road safety awareness Cycling Federation of India ’s ( CFI ) secy gen Maninder Pal Singh said cyclists face persistent risks during on Delhi roads.
“The lack of road safety awareness is a big issue in the Capital and we have raised it on several public forums,” Singh said.
“Esow was a bit late for training. At a sharp curve, he was hit by two motorbikers. Thankfully, he escaped with minor injuries. We have given him an alternate cycle,” he added.
“The cyclists are accompanied by coaches and doctors. The support staff rides on motorbikes, with two leading in the front and two at the back for safety,” explained Singh.
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