The message was loud and clear: it is the need of the hour to promote non-motorised transport to save the Earth for future generations. A galaxy of eminent citizens of Mangaluru led the way to swear for Green Earth by marking World Car-Free Day here on Thursday.
The Dakshina Kannada District Legal Services Authority, Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, Lions Club, several schools and colleges and members of Mangalore Bicycle Club (MBC) joined together to observe the Day and carry the same forward to first Saturday of every month. It was also the occasion to celebrate the first anniversary of MBC’s Car-Free Day initiative.
Inaugurating the event, Principal District and Sessions Judge K.S. Bilagi said one can make a difference and stand apart from the rest by walking or cycling. He said these physical activities not only keep people fit and healthy, but also would reduce vehicular traffic and environment pollution.
First Additional District and Sessions Judge C.M. Joshi administered an environment pledge on the occasion wherein every participant swore to use non-motorised transport to the maximum extent and preserve the environment for the future generations.
Car-free Court
Mangalore Bar Association President S.P. Changappa said the Association, in consultation with Mr. Bilagi, has decided to make the district court premises vehicle-free on every first Saturday. Members of the judiciary and the Association would either walk or cycle to the court that day, he said.
Smart City
Mayor Harinath, who presided over the flagging off, said walking and cycling should get a fillip when Mangaluru becomes a Smart City, the process of which has already started.
After flagging off the event, District Superintendent of Police Bhushan Gulabrao Borase and Mr. Joshi joined cyclists to complete the 5-km circuit. More than 200 participants attended the event, which included a small walkathon.
He practices what he preaches
Shashidhar Hegde looked a bit different from other cyclists with a bag stuffed to the handlebar of his bicycle at the World Car-Free Day programme here on Friday. An Assistant General Manager with KIOCL, Mangaluru, Mr. Hegde said he bikes every day from home in Derebail to office, a distance of about 6 km one way. Not many new-generation cyclists, except one Hare Krishna Maheshwari, climb the saddle for work purpose in Mangaluru.
Mr. Hegde told The Hindu that lack of time to get engaged in physical activities to remain fit prompted him towards cycling. Leaving home at around 8 a.m., he reaches office by about 8.25 a..m, which gives him enough physical exercise.
Not all other road users are sympathetic to cyclists, he says. Many times, heavy vehicles, including buses and trucks, brushed past him, Mr. Hegde said. His bag hanged to the bicycle contains protective raingear and lunch box, he added.
