IEP Chandigarh
Aiming at encouraging people to cycle to the work and emphasise on the benefits of cycling, Chandigarh Smart City and Municipal Corporation Chandigarh in association with its co-partner NGO ‘Patiala Foundation’ organized a cycle rally to mark the World Bicycle day, at Sector 42, here today.
Mayor Sh. Anup Gupta led the cyclothon along with Ms. Anindita Mitra, IAS, Commissioner, Sh. Jasbir Singh Bunty, area councilor, other councilors, officers and residents.
The rally started at 6.30 from Sector 42 community centre and passed through Sector 35/36, 23/36, 37/36 and culminated after completing 6 Kms route.
The Cyclothon highlighted the rare distinction the city of having 200 Kms of dedicated cycle tracks and the largest public bike sharing system in the country, with 5000 cycles. To ensure road safety of cyclists, reflective stickers were pasted by Patiala Foundation, on the bicycles to make them visible at night.
More than 700 participants, including councilors, employees of Municipal Corporation, professional cyclists, students, local residents etc. participated enthusiastically in this cycle rally, organized jointly by CSCL and MCC. 300 smart bikes were also arranged for the cycle lovers to take free rides today.
While addressing the cycle lovers, the Mayor said that this time the CSCL and MCC has taken unique initiative to mark the world bicycle day by involving the cyclists who use cycles as “transport” and not “sport”, people who peddle to work daily. This event was aimed at encouraging and appreciating them.
The Mayor said that the officials and staff of the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh should cycle to work regularly.
He said that it is very important to make people aware about the importance of using bicycles for transportation. There is a need to create awareness so that vehicular pollution can be reduced.
Ms. Anindita Mitra, IAS, CEO, Chandigarh Smart City Ltd. congratulated all the cycle lovers of city on World Bicycle Day and emphasized that cycling not just keeps the person healthy but also protects the environment by reducing greenhouse emissions. It also reduces traffic congestion. She said that if it is not possible to ride day long, one should start with smaller distances, may be a ride to the grocery store or in a local park.
Help desks and counters with the provision of first aid and water dispensers were provided at the venue and throughout the route. Chandigarh Traffic Police officer ASI Bhupinder Singh sung a beautiful composition on cycling and road safety.
