Pune: On the 20th of August, the Indo Athletics Society conducted a bicycle rally protest with the aim of raising awareness about pedestrian safety and responsible driving, while also seeking justice for the tragic death of Harshad Pingale, a jogger residing in Sky Manas Lake Society, Bhugaon.
Ajit Patil, Director of Indo Athletics Society, stated, “We organized this protest in response to the unfortunate demise of Harshad Pingale on the 16th of August. Similar incidents are occurring throughout the city, and we must put an end to these trends. The vehicle driver responsible for the accident needs to be held accountable, and we seek justice for the families of the victims.”
According to Patil, approximately 200 to 300 individuals from various parts of Pune actively participated in this protest. The event served as both a tribute to Harshad Pingale and a means to spread awareness about pedestrian safety, responsible driving, and cycling safety.
The cycle rally protest was led by prominent figures including Ganesh Bhujbal, Ajit Patil, Giriraj Umrikar, Ajit Gore, Amit Pawar, Madan Shinde, Vijay Gaikwad, Santosh Nakhate, Pradeep Take, Haripriya, Deepak Burkul, Shrikant Chaudhary, Abhay Khatavkar, Shailesh Patil, Sandeep Pardeshi, Ramesh Pawar, Vivek Kadu, Anjali Khatavkar, Keshav, Nilesh Takle, Smita Gabade, Sandeep Gaikwad, along with members of the Sky Manas Lake Society.
The cycle rally commenced from Pune University and concluded at the Paud Police Station. Members of Harshad Pingale’s family were also present during the event, underlining the community’s collective call for road safety awareness and justice for the unfortunate incident.
The bicycle rally protest served as a powerful message, urging individuals to be vigilant while walking, driving, or cycling on the streets. It highlighted the urgent need for responsible behavior on the roads to prevent such tragic incidents from occurring in the future.
