At a time when the world is in top gear acquiring latest models of fuel-guzzling automobiles, an IAS officer here is leading a ‘Brady Bunch’ to reverse the trend.
Green Planet Bicycle Riders Association, led by IAS officer Satya Prakash, sows the seeds of a ‘sweat’ change
BHOPAL: At a time when the world is in top gear acquiring latest models of fuel-guzzling automobiles, an IAS officer here is leading a ‘Brady Bunch’ to reverse the trend. This group is heavily promoting the old and beautiful and environment- and health-friendly cycle.
The newly-formed Green Planet Bicycle Riders Association (GPBRA) is led by Satya Prakash, a 1977-batch IAS officer of the MP cadre.
Himself an avid cycle rider, Prakash says, “Regular use of bicycles appears to be the only pragmatic solution to curbing pollution.”
The group does not comprise the nouveau rich taking a Sunday ride for fashion, but restless people who want to spread the message of a healthy, pollution-free environment.
Prakash, principal secretary of the industries and commerce department here, is all fired up and wants to convert as many automobile riders into bicycle riders.
The group is promoting the use of bicycles for transportation and recreation as also for physical fitness. The association has held a number of rallies, races and Sunday cycling sessions to create awareness. Its aim is to make Bhopal popular as a city of cyclists.
Prakash told DNA: “After several rounds of consultations with members of the civil society, we decided to take the initiative to promote the use of non-motorised transport and discourage unnecessary use of motorised transport.”
But with rapid urbanisation and economic progress, is it possible to revive the cycle habit?
“Why not,” Prakash says, adding, “This is just the beginning of a revolution.”
He says he wants people to adopt a model wherein cycling 5-10 km daily becomes part of their lives. “I don’t say we will become China overnight, but yes, there is an urgent need to take up cycling in a big way for more reasons than one.”
Already, a large number of Bhopalites have joined the club activities and are seen wearing helmets and pedalling their way to different destinations.
GPBRA secretary Amitabh Bajpai, president of All-India Intelligent Transport Systems, says a city bicycle account is also being prepared for the first time in India.
Prakash says mobilising people to take up cycling is relatively easy but ensuring their safety is not. “We have urged government officials to create a bicycle network and take measures for cycling safety.”
Efforts are also being made to create separate cycle lanes.
abhilash@bhaskarnet.com
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