VIJAYAWADA: Two arterials roads of Vijayawada - Bandar Road and Eluru roads - witnessed hundreds of cyclists’ pedal their way carrying the message, cycling for health, in the early hours of Sunday.
Around 2,000 cyclists participated in the first-ever cyclothon in the city and VMC one of the organisers of the event reiterated that hereafter it would be a regular feature on first Sunday of every month.
Addressing the gathering, before flagging of the cyclothon, Vijayawada municipal commissioner G Veerapandian said as part of happy hours in the city, VMC will be conducting such activity on first Sunday every month that is patronised by the citizens of Vijayawada.
He said in the past, people have supported 2k, 5k and 10k runs and other activities and now there has been an overwhelming response to Cyclothon. On the occasion, explaining the benefits of cycling, he said if everyone goes to their workplace on cycles, it will help in reducing air pollution to a great extent. “At least, once a week, cycle should be used as transport to respective work places,” he added.
Andhra Bicycling Club (ABC) president Dr. PV Ramana Murthy said cycling helps one keep physically fit and healthy. Club advisor P Ramesh Babu said happy hours is a good concept and helps in developing good relations among citizens. Club founder Padma Tummala said the response was overwhelming and thanked people for their support and making the programme a success.
As against the expected 1,500 participants, the number crossed 2,000 mark. It was an awesome sight to watch all those cycles move together to cover 15 km distance passing through MG Road, Benz Circle, National Highway, Ramavarappadu Ring, Gunadala, Machavaram, Chuttugunta, Old Bus Stand, Bandar Locks, PDW Grounds and IGMCS.