‘Bicycle Mayor of Guwahati’ has appealed to Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal for promoting bicycle as a mode of urban transport as the nationwide lockdown is eased.
‘Bicycle Mayor’ Arshel Akhter has also reached out to local clubs in Assam for participation in a campaign called Celebrate World Bicycle Day on June 3.
Bicycle mayors are appointed by Netherlands-based social enterprise BYCS (pronounced bikes) for advocating cycling as a sustainable mode of urban transport.
The bicycle mayors of India representing around 40 cities across the country will be celebrating World Bicycle Day on June 3 by launching the first ever virtual bicycle video followed by live bicycle music concert by renowned DJ Vispi. This is being done considering the current scenario wherein people across India are under lockdown and social distancing is the new normal.
“I have written to the chief minister, along with some cabinet ministers and other concerned government officials about the need to promote bicycles as a mode of urban transport option in Guwahati after the lockdown. The WHO has recommended cycling to boost immunity and maintain social distance while travelling. Cities all over the world are embracing or encouraging cycling and it is also important for our state to promote it,” Arshel who is co-founder at ‘Pedal for a Change’ in Guwahati, told The News Mill.
He appealed the government to release an advisory asking people to use cycles whenever possible as cycling is the best mode of transport for short distances in the city.
“I have also requested to kindly set up covered cycle parking spaces with locking facilities near city-bus stops, government office campuses and at various car parking facilities around the city. And to encourage people to follow car-free days once every week or at least once a month,” Arshel added.
Apart from that, Arshel also pointed out that traffic and road safety advisories should be issued for cyclists to follow traffic rules and other motor vehicle users to respect cyclist’s right to use the road.
