Cycling event pushes for healthy lifestyle

Chamber of commerce, cycling body urge CDA to build dedicated cycle tracks

ISLAMABAD:

A cycle race was held in the federal capital with an aim to promote healthy activities and create awareness about reducing carbon emission.

The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) in collaboration with Islamabad Cycling Association (ICA) organised the Cycle Race and Ride to promote healthy activity in the citizens.

The cycle race started from D-Chowk, Islamabad and finished at Sector F-9 Park covering the route of Jinnah Avenue, Centaurs Flyover, MacDonald's Chowk, Service Road East F-10 and Bolan Gate from Sector F-10 side, said a statement issued by ICCI.

The categories of Cycle Race and Ride included men (professional) 17 years and above, men amateur 40 and above, women amateur 17 and above, boys and girls from nine to 16 years and children aged eight years and below competed in the tricycle race.

In men’s category, Sanam Anjum came first, followed by Usman and Amrez. In men’s above 40 category Tahir Ahsan stood first, Ali Raza second and Adil third. Among women, US citizen Solace bagged the first position, Zulekha Bibi second and Samreen Khan third. Among toddlers, Omer proved to have fastest feet on tricycle, Ibrahim raced his three-wheeler close behind him to stand while Aman bagged third position. A large crowd was present at the start and finish line to cheer for the riders.

ICCI President Yasir Ilyas urged the government to focus on promoting cycling in major cities as it would help reduce congestion, air pollution and carbon dioxide emissions besides improving the health of riders.

Read Lockdown gets pedals going at Sea View

He said that promoting cycling would be very beneficial for society as it prevents riders from serious diseases including stroke, cardiac disorders, some cancers, depression, diabetes, obesity and arthritis.

Ilyas said countries including China, Japan, Norway, UK, Sweden, Germany and Denmark have promoted cycling in their citizens to promote healthy lifestyle and reduce congestion, air pollution and harmful emissions.

“Government is spending billions of rupees on providing free healthcare services to people at state-run hospitals, and it can make significant cuts in this expenditure by promoting cycling culture in the country,” the ICCI chief suggested.

He urged that CDA to develop dedicated cycle tracks and jogging tracks in Islamabad so that the citizens could use them for exercise and develop a healthy lifestyle.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 31^st, 2021.