NGO holds marathon to attract residents to cycling

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, November 19

To attract residents towards cycling, city-based NGO Voice of Amritsar (VOA) organised a cycling marathon at the trilium cycling track here today.

‘Cycle di Swaari Na Karza na Bimari’ (Ride on the cycle is pocket as well as health friendly) was the slogan given by volunteers of the NGO. A number of people took part in the cycling marathon.

Dr Rakesh Sharma, the founder of the VOA, said, “The event was organised to spread awareness about the benefits of cycling. The idea is to encourage people to opt for vehicles that are environment friendly. Preserving fuel energy is the need of the hour as the reserved fuel of the world is depleting very fast.”

Most of the volunteers were of the view that cycling would not only help maintain a healthy lifestyle but also streamline traffic, if opted by most of the residents.

Harsimran, an advocate, said, “I have already started going to the court on the cycle. It saves a lot of money and enhances one’s health as well. I hope people also follow it. In fact, a few persons in my circle have also started following it.”

Stressing on the need to inculcate cycling into daily lives, Gaurav Arora, an executive member of the NGO, said, “Considering the growth of motor vehicles, there is a need to take steps to stay fit. We believe health is wealth. We are also planning to celebrate a five-day week dedicating to traffic soon. Car pooling and cycling will be encouraged in the city among the residents to solve the issues related to traffic and to decrease the pollution level.”