Cycle ride for health

Pothashang News Service: Imphal, June 3, 2019: About 250 messengers took out a bicycle rally “Imphal City Ride II” in the heart of the city taking the message of cycling benifits to environment and health.

The cycle rally was organised by Manipur Adventure And Mountain Biking Association (MAAMBA) in observance of the World Bicycle day on the theme “Celebrating and popularising the humble bicycle”.

It was flagged-off by Pooja Elangbam, IAS, at Kangla gate with the participation of many notable persons like social activists and model Mayanglambam Diana, actress Soma Laishram, hockey player Kothajit Singh, etc.

The UNO has declared June 3 as the World Bicycle Day in 2018 in honour of one of the most significant inventions of mankind the bicycle. MAAMBA has been observing this day since last year, MAAMBA president RK Sanajaoba Singh said.

He said there are many benefits of cycling: good health, better environment, travel and meeting people. Many medical doctors are taking up cycling themselves. The bicycle is a non-polluting means of transport. There is no carbon footprint. We can cover vast distances on it too. Some are even going for world tours. Many foreigners are passing through Imphal on their bicycles. We meet new friends in new places and through our charity works, we have become very good friends, he added.

“We would like the authorities to consider the safety and rights of the citizens on bicycles. Bicycle lanes, parkings and parks are a necessity”, Sanajaoba said.

He urged that motorists should also be aware of the equal rights of the bicyclists over the public roads. They should not approach the cyclist too close. Some cyclists have been hit out of callous and careless driving. Bicyclists themselves should ride responsibly and respect and follow all the Traffic Rules, he added.

Retired Lt. general L. Nishikanta said, “I took up cycling after I retired. It gives imense benefit to a diabetic person like me. It is also useful to keep knee strong.”

As there is no separate lane for cycles it is less convenient to move in the city on bicycles, he added.

“While cycling on this earth I feel like in heaven. Its a good exercise. If everyone owns a bicycle each and travel at least twice a day it will give positive impact to health and also save fuel” the retired officer said.

The cycle rally passed through Keishamthong, Kwakeithel, FCI road to wind up at The Ideal Club, Tera Bazar.