WORLD BICYCLE DAY AT LUDHIANA ON JUNE 3, 2024

WORLD BICYCLE DAY AT LUDHIANA ON JUNE 3, 2024

 

  • Today we have gathered here to celebrate “World Bicycle Day”.
  • And to honour individuals and organisations doing commendable work in the field of cycling.
  • My heartiest congratulations to all the awardees.
  • Cycling has been a major mode of mobility in India.
  • Traffic surveys show that cycle trips account for more than 15% of trips in most towns.
  • Even in a large city such as Delhi, cycling accounts for over 10% of trips in the City.
  • This is largely because bicycles play a major role in enabling the livelihoods of the urban poor by providing a cost effective transport option.
  • But, now we have to get rid of the notion that it is a ride for the poor.
  • Now is the time to promote cycling as a healthy option.
  • Regular cycling is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of lifestyle-related health problems.
  • In addition, cycling reduces dependence on energy sources and reduces pollution.
  • A recent study estimated that replacing two- and four-wheelers with bicycles for short-distance trips (less than 5 km) in India could lead to benefits worth USD24.3 billion per year.
  • However, the lack of requisite infrastructure for cycling prevents it from becoming a preferred mobility option.

Friends,

  • There is an urgent need to create the requisite infrastructure to promote cycling.
  • We have more than 200 km of dedicated network of cycle tracks in Chandigarh.
  • We have provided the largest Public Bike Sharing System in Northern India to the city dwellers.
  • You can definitely call Chandigarh a bicycle-friendly city.
  • Awareness campaigns and promotional programs should be run to encourage cycling.
  • Community led Cycle Rental Schemes or Public Bike Sharing System should be started near transit stations, bus stops and other public places.
  • Diesel and gasoline vehicles are running on the roads all over the world. Carbon emission is harming the environment. But cycling will reduce greenhouse gas emissions to some extent.
  • Cycling is a healthy, environmentally friendly and economical mode of transport.
  • As you all know, the bicycle sector in Punjab contributes significantly to the state's GDP and employment.
  • Around 4000 bicycle units employ about 5 lakh workers.
  • Punjab is the second largest bicycle manufacturer in the world after China (20 million bicycles per year).

Friends,

  • Punjab has enough bicycles for its needs. All we need here is to promote cycling culture.
  • On this World Bicycle Day, let us commit ourselves to adopt cycling as a lifestyle choice.
  • Let us join hands and move ahead on this journey towards a healthy, sustainable future.
  • Congratulations once again to all the award winners. Keep contributing to the field of cycling.
  • Let us collectively pledge to devote at least 30 minutes to physical activity every day.
  •  “Fitness Ki Dose Aadha Ghanta Roz!”

 

Thank you,

 

Jai Hind!