JAY JOSHI
For most people, a bicycle was an integral part of their lives during their childhood. But as we grew up and got into the hustle-bustle of daily life, the simple joy of cycling was stolen from us. Cycling is one of the best fitness activities out there, which also offers a pollution-free way to travel. Agreed, that with time, cycling has evolved into a great competitive sport and a hobby, but it is not a part of the common man’s life the way it was before. In today’s time, when pollution has become a pressing issue, cities around the world are striving to encourage cycling as a prefered way to travel within city limits, and Panaji is no exception.
With the goal to encourage the use of bicycle as an easy and pollution-free way to travel, and to drive people to reignite their childhood passion for cycling, Fomento Media is organising a unique event titled ‘City on Cycle 2019’ on February 10. The event, which will witness participants cycle 10 km around Panaji, is more than just a typical cycling ride, as it incorporates aspects of a Goan heritage tour. The route of ‘CoC’ passes through the iconic neighbourhoods of Fontainhas and other locations that have become a symbol of Goan culture and heritage.
“The event presents a great opportunity for participants,” says Sonia Quercar, regional marketing head of HDFC bank for Goa, “most people are busy working in their offices or homes. We do not get time to go out and explore. Even when we talk about fitness, many people hit the gyms, making fitness an indoor activity. Cycling gives you the opportunity to work out while exploring the outdoors.”
The ride promises to be healthy, not just in terms of cycling, but also in terms of refreshments. “A range of new health drinks will be supplied to participants during the event,” informs Yuvraj Desai, director of Trik soft Drinks, Mapusa, who is one of the event’s sponsors. “We are coming up with a range of health drinks such as cucumber, which helps detoxify the body. Secondly, during this event, we will also be having a number of ethnic Goan drinks such as Kokum,” he adds, noting that the ride is an innovative concept designed to encourage people across all walks of life to take up cycling.
One of the organisations associated with this event is the Goa State Council for Science and Technology. “The Council is a nodal agency for National Green Corps initiative of Ministry of Environment and Forests, and for Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, and is currently implementing Green Good Deeds programme of the Ministry which entails spreading environmental awareness. As a part of it’s ‘clean air campaign under this programme, the Council has been associated with City on Cycle 2019, and we believe this is a good way to spread the message,” stated Deepak Parab, member secretary, Goa State Council for Science & Technology.
