Workers on Cycle from different sections of the society took it to the street and gathered at the Biswa Bangla Gate today to celebrate the “International Day of Cycle to Work” and further promoting the rich ‘Bengali Cycle Culture’.
In recent data released by the National Health Survey – 5, Bengal topped the state list with the highest percentage of cycle ownership and usage ( 78.9%) than any other state.
Celebrating the day, 100 household maids popularly called as house help ‘Didis’, who ride their bicycles to work, gathered at the Newtown Biswa Bangla Gate on their cycles dressed in special sarees with Banners and Posters stating – “Cycle Amader Jibon / Cycle is our Life” . Speaking at the event, one of the Didi said “We are completely dependent on cycle for our daily commute to work as we cant afford expensive auto fare, beside it helps us to reach our destination quicker than other mode”
The event was supported by a large number of corporate workers and Housing Societies who also joined the celebration organized by the Kolkata Sustainable Mobility Network, initiated by city-based SwitchON Foundation.
One of the committee members of the housing society said – “We really think it’s a fantastic idea and will certainly adopt it with our societies. Our society will make sure that there are separate parking arrangements for cyclists within our complex”
Colonel Inderjit Roy from the Newtown Business Club attending the event said “We are committed to the cause of cycling t and happy to support and be part of this international initiative which leading companies encourage and support cycling. We have a strong network of companies and they will forward to support the idea of building infrastructure in the form of bicycle parking, showers etc for employees opting for cycling to work, thus encouraging cyclists to travel and celebrate the spirit of cycling.”
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