Hi all,

It is an irony that higher import duty for bicycles and bicycle components is present today even though it burns no fuel except human energy, is environment friendly and healthy.

It is also an irony that this is a nation where the number one cause of death is heart ailments ( about 24.5% of the death are caused), and cycling for work or for leisure can help alleviate this.

We, in India, have been trying to promote all the other kind of green fuel, be it CNG or Solar. We have also been trying to setup institutes and research centres for Solar and to fulfill our tomorrow's energy needs but we are not really researching on how we can reduce the energy needs. 

One of the ways to do so is to promote the cycling culture in India, constructing bicycling lanes.

Before year 2012 budget, the import duty on the bicycle and it's parts was 10% but now it has jumped to roughly 30%. This is a protectionist measure which does not increase the consumer but only improves the top line of the Indian cycle manufacturers ( Hero, Avon ). This also ensures that the end consumer like us are not able to enjoy the quality and innovation in the cycles of the world but a few of the Indian Manufacturing Majors are able to enjoy the protection being given to them by the Government. 

In today's age where the global markets are competitive, it is imperative that we look at the benifits these quality bikes provide, and let these companies come in and provide similar quality in India. This way, Indian Manufacturers will also learn and work harder and innovate. 

I want the Government to lower the custom duty on imported bikes. The reason being 

1. It is a green fuel.

2. It is a healthier alternative to other means of transport. 

3. Imported bikes come at minimum price of 15000 Rs and this does not affect the bottom line of any of the bicycle manufactures. 

4. Forces Indian companies to innovate and come up with good quality bikes themselves.

If you all agree with me, then kindly sign this petition.