A unique heritage ride in and around Cubbon Park to cover areas of historical and cultural interest, will be the highlight of the inaugural Cycle Day on October 27.
To be inaugurated by the Mayor symbolically through a ceremonial ride, the monthly event has already garnered the support of Directorate of Urban Land Transport (DULT), Bangalore Traffic Police and the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation (BMRC).
An Idea Box booth will be set up at the park to capture everyone's feedback and suggestions about cycling in general, as well as the Cycle Day events. “We are also trying out a little experiment to make riding to Cubbon Park a little easier for those who aren’t very confident about cycling longer distances. On Cycle Day, Bangaloreans can board any BMTC Volvo bus - with their cycles - at no extra cost,” informed an event organiser.
The event is also open to those who do not own or have access to cycles - they can rent cycles at Cubbon Park and participate in the event as well. Several cycling and sustainable mobility focussed groups and individuals have joined hands to organise the Cycle Day events. They include ESAF Bangalore, Critical Mass, and Praja.
The organisers reiterated that the event is open to everyone. “Anyone wanting to help can join the organisers’ team. This is not about any particular individual, group, organisation or community - just about people coming together to promote cycling and to encourage their fellow Bangaloreans to rethink their everyday journeys and give cycling a chance,” said a spokesperson, Neha Dar.
To promote the event and the monthly Cycle Day, the organisers have also launched a Facebook page (www.facebook.com/blrcycleday) and a twitter account with hashtag #BlrCycleDay.