Fifteen residents of Jayanagar in Bangalore, led by Transport Commissioner Bhaskar Rao, cycled all the way to Mysore on Saturday to promote non-motorised modes of transport as a step towards saving fuel and protecting the environment.
This was for the second time that Mr. Rao cycled all the way to Mysore from Bangalore to promote the cause.
Jayanagar Jaguars, a residents' group in Jayanagar, had organised the cycling trip.
“The message is simple and clear — use non-motorised modes of transport and save the environment. This way, we can do our bit for a cleaner environment,” said Mr. Rao, who has earlier served as the Commissioner of Police of Mysore.
Inspirational
Speaking to The Hindu after reaching here on Saturday afternoon, Mr. Rao said, “Our journey on bicycle may inspire others to follow suit.”
Mr. Rao said that being the Transport Commissioner, it would be inappropriate on his part to talk on environment protection sitting in an air-conditioned cabin, and that was why he had set out on this cycling trip.
“In addition to popularising cycling, the trip was aimed at making people understand the urgency of doing our bit to save the environment,” he said.
The cyclists left Bangalore at 6 a.m. and reached Mysore at 1.10 p.m., covering 130 km on one of the busiest highways in the State and passing through Channapatna, Ramanagaram, Maddur, Mandya and Srirangapatna.
The cyclists were greeted by officials of the Transport Department, led by Regional Transport Officer Siddappa Kallera at the Toll Gate here.
“I will also encourage my staff in the department to take up such an exercise and spread awareness in this regard as we all should look beyond enforcing the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act,” Mr. Rao said.
