Pedalling to good health: Cyclists to participate in 1st World Bicycle Day celebration in New Town

The United Nations has declared June 3 as World Bicycle Day this year and it will be celebrated globally. Bicycles are not only an eco-friendly mode of transport but also keeps the cyclists physically fit and mentally alert. It helps to reduce obesity and improves the cardiovascular system.

In New Town, the celebration is more significant as it is the only place in India where the Cycle Sharing Scheme has been introduced and it has become extremely popular.

Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO) under the ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs had awarded the scheme introduced by New Town Kolkata Development Authority (NKDA) in the Urban Transport category at a function in New Delhi in April.

On Sunday, the World Bicycle Day will be celebrated with HIDCO keeping cycles in front of the golf course off Eco Park to be used by the enthusiasts. The ride is free and cycle lovers can take a ride to popularise cycling. Eco Park has a special zone where people come and do cycling and duo cycling as well and it is extremely popular among visitors.

In the evening, Zoomcar, the company that has introduced the Cycle Sharing Scheme will host a programme at the NKDA football ground where people will be given free rides. They will be given modern cycles fitted with GPS which are used in the Cycle Sharing Scheme.

There will be a treasure hunt show for the participants and the winner will be awarded.

New Town has graded cycle paths and the Cycle Sharing Scheme is becoming popular. It may be recalled that to popularise cycling, Jagadish Chandra Bose used to come to Presidency College riding a cycle just to show that Indians are equally capable of riding bicycles like the British. At times, he was also accompanied by his wife Abala who was also an expert cyclist.