Starting from actor-turned-politician Siddhant Mohapatra to Hockey legend Dillip Tirkey, all were on Friday seen pedaling, for a cause. On the occasion of World Bicycle Day, they came out to spread awareness about the advantages of cycling.
While in Bhubaneswar, ex-MP Mohapatra, former Indian Hockey captain Tirkey and other dignitaries were seen participating in a bicycle rally that started from KIIT square to Sishu Bhawan Square, in Rourkela, Sundargarh district Collector, Commissioner of Rourkela Municipality Commissioner, Panposh Sub-Collector, known figures and students participated in a similar rally.
Similarly, in Balasore, Fakir Mohan University also organised a cycle rally to disseminate message about the benefits of riding bicycle.
“Cycling will not only ensure a healthy life but also have immense beneficial impact on the environment and the nation’s economy,” observed Siddhant Mohapatra.
Similarly, RMC Commissioner Dr Subhankar Mahapatra said he was happy that people took part in the rally and made it a huge success.
Informing about the future plan, Fakir Mohan University’s Vice-Chancellor Prof Santosh Tripathi said, “Our aim is to reduce vehicle movement inside the University campus. One day, our university will be emission-free and all will be riding bicycle.”
Though people welcomed the government-sponsored rallies and awareness campaigns on the occasion of World Bicycle Day, many chose to differ, alleging the willingness to revive the popularity of the plainest mode of transportation is still found to be wanting.
The failure of Mo Cycle Yojana may be a reason for them to think so.
With a noble thought of reducing pollution in the capital city of Bhubaneswar, ‘Mo Cycle Yojana’ was launched with great fanfare.
But the cycles lying unused by the roadsides and corners are speaking volume of the yojana’s success.
At places, these cycles can be found without tyres and at other places they can be found gathering dust. Several bicycles have also reportedly gone missing.
The government had constructed special path for cyclists. Besides Mo Cycle Yojana, thousands of cycles were also purchased for ‘Raahgiri’ programme. The fate of these cycles is no better either.
“The ‘Mo Cycle Yojana’ was gaining popularity. But due to lack of willpower on the part of the government, the scheme has failed,” observed Dillip Sahu, a capital resident.
When contacted, urban planner Piyush Rout said, “Share bicycle programme is running successfully across the globe. In Bhubaneswar, if it has failed, it is due to lack of proper management. The second reason for the failure of the programme is fast disappearing of cycle tracks.
In this regard, BMC Mayor Sulochana Das said, “The concept of cycling a day in a week is a good one. We will try to start this. This apart, we will also restart Raahgiri.”