India is a vast country with an incredible diversity of terrains, cultures, and people, Some of the most beautiful and exotic places in the world.

It’s not every day you see a fixed gear bike on Delhi street, not many people ride one. but you have to learn about the different tricks and skills it takes to ride fixed gear on Indian roads.

Fixed gear bikes are different from traditional bicycles in that they have no freewheeling mechanism. This means that when you pedal, you don’t get any movement in the pedals or cranks therefore you have to use your legs and feet as the only means of propulsion.

Indian roads are lethal. The country is plagued by poor infrastructure, dangerous drivers, and traffic lights that don’t seem to work. But for cyclists, these roads provide a unique opportunity to explore the country on two wheels. 

Riding a fixed-gear bike on Indian roads is possible and legal too, but the roads are rough and traffic is high compared to other countries, so you need to install breaks on your fixed gear bike because you cannot predict the situation on Indian roads with harsh drivers, Traffic rules and driving regulation are not fully followed in India.

When you are considering riding fixed gear on Indian roads YOU MUST HAVE BREAKS ON YOU FIXIE, Indian roads are not like other country roads, people take a sudden turn without indicating, so for your safety precaution to have breaks on your bike.

In this article, I will Explore the world of fixed gears and I will discuss the practice of fixed gear riding in India. 

Can cyclists use flyovers in India?

A cyclist can definitely use flyovers on Indian roads, there are no rules in the Indian government that say not to use a bicycle on flyovers, but it comes with your own risk and safety, cyclists use flyovers all the time in India. But you have to know a few things.

These are things you should remember when you are about to ride your bike on flyovers in India

You should obey the traffic rules and regulations for your own safety purposes

• Attach a big red bright refection light pad in front and back of your bike, and try to wear high visibility clothes so other vehicles can spot you.

• Always ride on the left side of the road, the middle lane and right lane are meant for heavy loads of vehicles and cars, and try to ride to the left as possible.

• While riding on highways or flyovers try to use hand signals, this is very essential for cyclists to communicate.

• You have to look after the wrong side of driving, on Indian roads you have to expect the unexpected.

• Ride at as moderate speed as possible, don’t try to race with fellow cyclers on highways or flyovers.

it doesn’t matter where you ride, wear regular safety pieces of equipment like helmets, hand gloves, elbow, and knee guards, shoes, red blinking light on the front and back of your bike. These are basic safety riding equipment to have whether you riding on highways and flyovers

Advantages of Fixed-Gear Bicycles

 It’s natural to be apprehensive about riding a fixed-gear bike in India. You’re used to an entirely different setup — a freewheel with a chain — and you’re certain that you’ll get into trouble without it. 

 Even though India is home to some of the most chaotic and hazardous roads in the world, you can still reap some significant benefits from riding a fixed-gear bike.

 First, you’ll get a chance to really get to know your bike. You won’t have the luxury of spinning your wheels in search of traction, which will force you to rely more heavily on your bike’s handling and geometry. 

second, You’ll also get a chance to train your body to be more efficient with less effort. This is especially important when you’re riding a fixed-gear bike, as you won’t be able to coast as much as you’re used to.

Third, you will learn how to stop your fixed gear quickly even if you don’t want to, Indian roads are full of surprises, and anybody can come in front of you suddenly.

Disadvantages of Fixed-Gear Bicycles

Even though there are advantages to riding a fixed-gear bike in India, there are some disadvantages worth keeping in mind.

1, first is that you’ll need to be more careful when you’re riding a fixed-gear bike because fixed gear bikes are not like other bikes, fixies are not beginner-friendly, go to empty spaces like a playground or parking lot, and practice riding fixed gear you will eventually learn it.

2, since fixed gear bikes are hard to stop, this makes riding fixed gear even more dangerous, especially on Indian roads, if you are not careful and much experienced you will have a hard time riding on Indian roads.

3, you can’t coast in a fixed gear bike on Indian roads, meaning you always have to constantly keep on pedaling, you don’t get much chance to cruise on Indian roads.

How to Ride a Fixed-Gear Bike on Indian Roads

 If you’re riding a fixed-gear bike on Indian roads, there are a few things that you should keep in mind. 

 there are no laws that specifically regulate fixed-gear bicycles in India. This means that there are no helmet or lighting laws that apply to them, either. As such, you should be extra careful when you’re riding a fixed-gear bike on Indian roads. 

 Make sure that you familiarize yourself with the local cycling culture so that you know what you’re getting into.

Indian roads do not facilitate cyclists, which means there is no cycling lane, no safety wear rules, or anything.

You will have to ride fixed gear bikes at your own risk, you need to be extra careful while riding on Indian roads, so having brakes is important even if you are a professional fixed-gear rider. 

Is it illegal to ride brakeless in India?

India is known for its chaos, not its bicycles. But the country is quickly becoming a bicycle mecca for those willing to brave the roadways’ chaotic traffic. Bicycles, or rather “bikes,” are a common form of transportation for Indians, as riding a bicycle is considered a safe, healthy, and environmentally friendly mode of transportation. While the roads are chaotic, bicycle accidents are rare.

In many countries, fixed-gear bicycles are illegal to ride on the streets. However, there are some countries that allow fixed-gear bicycles on the streets. One of those countries is India. However, 

Even though it is legal here but you still need to wear safety equipment, Indian roads are pretty unpredictable.

FAQs

Is it safe to ride fixies on Indian roads?

All though it is safe to ride fixed-gear bikes on Indian roads, you must wear safety helmets, shoes, elbow, knee guard, and hand gloves, and you should have a red light pad on the front and back of your bike.

Is it possible to ride fixie for long distances on Indian road?

Yes, it is totally possible, if you are riding on highways or if you are touring on a city or village type of road you might have a hard time riding at a constant speed and controlling the bike, but highways gives you some room to ride.

What are some problems you can expect while you ride on Indian roads?

You can expect problems like lots of traffic, stopping your bike more often, can’t be able to pedal at a higher pace, and always having to be sharp on Indian roads.

Can you expect a smooth riding experience on Indian roads?

India is very well known for potholes in the middle of the highways, you always have to keep dodging something on the road, but when you are riding on highways you can experience smooth riding on a fixed gear.

Conclusion

 Fixed-gear bikes are fun to ride and efficient to use, which makes them a great choice for India. The lack of gear ratios and coasting allows you to focus more on your technique, so you can get the most out of your bike.

if you are are fixed-gear bike lover you need to 9 things about it click here to read

Just remember to be careful, as there are no laws that specifically govern these bikes, and you should be extra aware of your surroundings when you’re on one.

 In simple words, you can ride fixed-gear bikes on Indian roads but you need to be extra careful than usual, Indian roads are full of surprises. You need to learn some more skills to control your bike, by wearing safety components you will be fine, have fun, and explore potholes on Indian roads.