Mandaviya Urges Cycle Manufacturers to Promote Cycling
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Synopsis
On February 11, Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya engaged with cycle manufacturers to discuss strategies for incentivizing cycling in India. The focus was on enhancing the 'Fit India Sundays on Cycle' initiative and promoting cycling as a lifestyle.
Key Takeaways
- Incentives for cycling can attract all age groups.
- Collaboration is key to developing a cycling culture.
- Promoting health benefits linked to cycling is essential.
- Events like 'Sundays on Cycle' are gaining nationwide attention.
- Engaging various demographics will be crucial for success.
New Delhi, Feb 11 (NationPress) Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya convened a meeting with cycle manufacturers on Tuesday to explore methods, including providing incentives, aimed at promoting cycling across the nation and enhancing the impact of the ‘Fit India Sundays on Cycle’ initiative.
The manufacturers committed to discovering creative ways to connect with the cycling community through incentives, advocate for cycling as a way of life, and foster a dynamic cycling culture in India.
The minister stated, “I cycle regularly to Parliament because of my passion. Cycling is the solution to multiple issues, including obesity and pollution. We need to make cycling fashionable, link it to health benefits, and market it effectively.”
Mandaviya encouraged manufacturers to implement incentives to promote cycling among all age demographics. “We need to associate cycling with tangible benefits -- such as carbon credits for riders, free helmets, or exclusive membership perks for regular cyclists. Incentives will naturally drive people towards cycling,” he emphasized.
The Minister also pointed out the potential for increased demand for cycles to stimulate infrastructure development. “We need to collaborate to cultivate a cycling culture, not just sell cycles. We must engage school children, office workers, and the general public by providing incentives,” he added.
The Union Minister inaugurated the cycling initiative at Major Dhyan Chand Stadium in the national capital on December 17, 2023, aiming to promote cycling as a sustainable, healthy, and environment-friendly transportation mode.
Over the past nine weeks, ‘Sundays on Cycle’ has taken place at over 3,500 locations nationwide, attracting more than 200,000 riders from Jammu and Kashmir to Tamil Nadu and from Kolkata to Aurangabad.
The ‘Fit India Sundays on Cycle’ initiative is organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS), in partnership with the Cycling Federation of India (CFI) and MY Bharat.
Events occur simultaneously across the country at SAI Regional Centres, National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs), and Khelo India Centres (KICs).
Participants in the Sundays on Cycle have included Indian Army personnel, postal workers from India Post, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) members, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) officers, as well as renowned sports personalities like Lovlina Borgohain, Sangram Singh, Shanky Singh, Nitu Ghanghas, Saweety Boora, Preeti Pawar, Rubina Francis, and Simran Sharma, along with celebrities like Amit Sial, Rahul Bose, and Gul Panag.
