Bhubaneswar, 3rd June, 2023: On the occasion of World Bicycle Day, SwitchON Foundation in partnership with various cycle groups in Bhubaneswar organized a cycling and plastic pick-up drive to celebrate the theme of World Environment Day i.e #BeatPlasticPollution thereby creating awareness among people about curbing plastic pollution and proper management of plastic waste.
Cyclists from various cycle groups like Jeeban Jyoti Mahila Maha Sangha and DSS came forward and volunteered for the cause of Clean Odisha. SwitchON has also approached the Development Authorities and Mayor of the city to collaborate as a knowledge & technical partner on a pro bono basis to promote clean and green transportation.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Vinay Jaju, MD SwitchON Foundation said, “Cycling is a simple, affordable and environment friendly commute that can be adopted by each and every citizen. On this day, let’s join hands to pedal for a future that is free from pollution and congestion.”
As per National Family Health Survey(NFHS-5), In Odisha around 72.5% of the households own a bicycle which is a pretty good percentage. This gives Bhubaneswar an edge in adopting cycling culture in the city. On World Bicycle Day, cycle groups pedaled their cycle with great enthusiasm and created awareness amongst people by shouting slogans and raising posters on the importance of cycling and not to use single-use plastics. The cyclists pedaled and picked up plastic wastes lying in the roadside area and depositing it in the garbage bins.
One of the cyclists, a volunteer who took part in the ride said, “On this World Bicycle Day, let’s join hands pledging to ride towards a future free from plastic. Embrace the power of two wheels, and beat the plastic waste. Together, we can spin a sustainable revolution, inspiring others to pedal for a planet that thrives with every turn.”
Some of the possible policy recommendations by SwitchON Foundation to the Development Authority for promoting sustainable mobility in Bhubaneswar are:
- Promoting/ Incentivizing cycling and sustainable mobility in Bhubaneswar.
- Awareness generation and sensitization programs should be organized.
- Ramp up protection for women cyclists and night-time riders.
- More cycle parking spaces should be created.
- Reward programs should be designed.
- City nonprofits, celebrities, cyclists, and enthusiasts should drive advocacy campaigns for more cycling and cycle-related infrastructure.
- The city should promote “smart” cycling.
- Disincentivization of fossil fuel vehicles.
- Cities with cycle lanes should follow the following points:
- Monitoring mechanisms and strict vigilance by the city police department will deter undesirable practices and boost sustainable mobility in the city.
- There should be proper regulation on the usage of the lanes.
- Cities without cycle lanes should follow the following points:
- Set up pop-up lanes to encourage cycling.
- Build alternate routes for cyclists.
Media Dossier
Contact: Vinay Jaju | M: +91 9331178105 | Email: VJ@SwitchON.org.in
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