Mangaluru: While most of you were still on bed, 23 cyclists started their morning activities bit early by pedaling their way to take part in the “Cycle Rally-Mangaluru to Bengaluru” to promote cycling as a fuel conservation measure, improve health, reduce pollution and traffic congestion. Yours truly also got up during the wee hours of 3.30 am, and rushed to Kottara in the city, the venue where the rally was flagged off.
With the price of fuel increasing phenomenally, people should opt for alternative transport methods to commute, and why not? Not only are alternative transport options cheaper than the fuel and upkeep of a four-wheeler or a two-wheeler, they are also better for the environment as they create less pollution – meaning fewer vehicles on the road, fewer accidents and less congestion. Driving a vehicle is both expensive and it poorly impacts the environment. Because of this you should evaluate whether you actually need a car/two-wheeler or whether you could use alternative forms of transport. You may even find you no longer need a vehicle if you are using greener alternatives which means you can sell your car and save a considerable amount of money.
Keeping these these in mind, 23 cyclists belonging to the Mangalore Cycle Club with the motto to “Save Fuel, Save Environment-Stay Fit” assembled at the Indian Oil Divisional Office premises at 4am on Saturday, 14 March to start their journey from Mangaluru to Bengaluru. In the absence of Health minister UT Khader who was suppose to flag off the rally (but was held in Bengaluru for other engagements), newly elected MCC Deputy Mayor, Purushotham Chitrapura flagged off the Rally in the presence of V R Menon- Chief Divisional Manager-Indian Oil Corp.-Mangaluru, Mahesh-Asst. Manager-IOC-Mangaluru and other guests.
Prior to flagging off the rally, Purushotham Chitrapura said, “Physical strain is good for healthy life and people should cycle to stay fit and keep diseases at an arm’s length. Physical exercise was not on the agenda of many and, as a reason, several people were suffering from diabetes, blood pressure, and other ailments that crop up owing to lack of physical exercise. We should give our motor vehicles rest for a day and should cycle at least once a week. We not only save fuel but also keep the environment clean and regain our lost health. Young generation was more interested in cozy lifestyle, they should take up cycling once in a while. India, to emerge strong, needs fit and healthy youngsters. I am glad to see Ashoka Vardhana, a senior taking part in this rally. Youngsters should follow his footsteps to keep them fit and healthy”.
Speaking also prior to the flag off, V R Menon said, ” If any one desires to be a part of environmental protection and also remain fit, using bicycle for mobility is the best way. Promotion of cycling can mitigate to a large extent India’s woes on surging fuel demand, environmental pollution, traffic snarls and health disorders. We also need to understand that petroleum is depleting at a fast rate and we need to conserve as much as possible. It is for this purpose this cycle rally is dedicated. IOC is proud to be associated with Mangalore Cycle Club in this venture, and we will extend our full support for such of events in the future. I wish this rally all success, and may you all reach safe to Bengaluru, and also return back safe to your hometown, Mangaluru”.
Speaking to me, Ashoka Vardhana-the senior most member of the Club said, ” There was an urgent need to reduce the use of motorbikes and it was time bicycle was widely used for commuting. The youth must focus on this issue. Walking and riding a bicycle can keep one fit irrespective of age. Using public transport system and skipping the use of personal vehicles at least once a week should be adopted by everybody. As India is going through a phase of increased lifestyle health issues like diabetes, blood pressure, stress disorders etc, and also increased traffic congestion and environmental pollution, there is a need to inculcate the habit among the people, especially the youth and children. More and more awareness projects should be conducted, and I request the media, social organizations, leaders, government and general public to support and promote cycling for healthier India”.
Pedaling this morning from Kottara-Mangaluru, the cyclists will pass through various towns, and will be given public reception at Belthangady, Kakinje, Mudigere, Belur, Hassan, Chennarayapatna, Belur Cross and finally in Bengaluru. Tonight (14 March) they will halt at Chennarayapatna, and 15 March morning they will proceed to Bengaluru. These 23 members of the Mangalore Cycle Club will be also submitting a memorandum to the government of Karnataka requesting to consider the following:
– Provide cycle tracks in Mangaluru and other cities/towns for safe cycling.
– Encourage cycling as a hobby for school children and provide safe cycling lanes to schools, wherever feasible.
– Enforce strict traffic regulations to make cycling a safe activity.
– Whenever new roads are constructed , plan for cycling tracks.
The 23 cyclists taking part in this Cycle Rally are : Ashoka Vardhana GN, Shambaya pare, Dr Jayaprasad Anaker, Anil Shet Raiker, Praveen, Deshnath Reddy, Danraj Palke, Laxmeesh, Maheshwari, Nisar, Prajwal baglodi, Prasanna KR, Samarth, Sarvesh, Ziahn, Kishan, Rajesh, Sandeep CR, Anil Shet, Dr Jaganath Rai, Shashank, Chenath, and Baveesh.
