Mumbai: More than 5,000 cyclists from different parts of the city participated in the cycle rally organised by the Mumbai police on Sunday, to mark World Environment Day.
The aim of the rally was to create awareness of cycling among citizens as a better alternative for travel and to reduce carbon emissions by vehicles for the protection of the environment.
A cycling program called 'Cycle Chala City Bacha' extended support to the Mumbai Police for organisation and execution of the rally.
The rally started with all the cyclists assembling at Bandra Reclamation (Bandra West) at 7.30 am. The rally was flagged off by the joint commissioner of police, Vishwas Nangare Patil and DCP of Traffic, Raj Tilak Roushan, after which the cyclists proceeded to Race Course, Mahalaxmi, using the Sea Link.
According to the cyclists who participated, the Sea Link was the main attraction and the reason for the overwhelming response. The cyclists comprised different age groups including kids, young and old people.
At about 9am, the tail of the rally reached Race Course, where senior police officers from Mumbai Police were present to welcome and encourage the participants.
The closing ceremony took place around 9.30 am. The Mumbai traffic department sent out instructions regarding no entry routes and traffic diversions before the cycle rally and also monitored traffic during the rally.
The Mumbai Police, in a statement, thanked all the citizens for participating in huge numbers and for making the rally a successful event.
"The Sea Link was opened for cyclists after 2013, which was the main attraction. It motivated people to come on the road and participate in this rally. With such events, we can aim toward making Mumbai the capital city for cycling."
Sanjeev Khiara –Volunteer
"Our cycling program called 'Cycle Chala City Bacha' supported the Mumbai Police for this cycle rally. We are very grateful to them for this initiative which saw a huge response. Also, we did not have many resources for the advertisement of this rally. It was all because of pedal power and people power that this event became a grand success.”
Firoza Suresh – Bicycle mayor of Mumbai & founder of 'Cycle Chala City Bacha'
"We started our ride after reaching Bandra Reclamation around 7am. We were expecting around 2,500 cyclists but we saw a great response of over 5,000 cyclists who participated in the rally. I have been cycling for 10 years. I feel that we have a responsibility towards the environment and we can take up initiatives like cycling to work at least once a week to reduce traffic and pollution, and also gain health benefits."
Sanket Mistry – Participant, member of Malad Cycling Club.
"It was a great opportunity for all cyclists to ride on the Sea Link. Also, cycling has many benefits. I have heard testimonies of people who have recovered from blood pressure and diabetes after they started cycling regularly. It is also a good way to commute, especially for short distances, and helps reduce pollution."
Ajay Lulia, volunteer and Bicycle Councillor P/North ward
