Efforts afoot to revive cycling culture in Rawalpindi

In a joint initiative, the district administration and the Department of Environmental Protection have unveiled a project aimed at reintroducing ‘cycling culture’ in Rawalpindi.

The initiative is designed to curb vehicular pollution and combat smog in the region. A dedicated programme has been outlined, encouraging government employees and students to opt for bicycles when commuting to and from schools, colleges, and commercial centres, thereby reducing reliance on vehicles such as motorcycles, wagons, buses, and ride hailing services.

Under the programme, bicycle rental shops and terminals will be strategically established near metro bus stations. These locations will offer bicycles available for hourly rentals, providing citizens with a convenient and eco-friendly alternative for short-distance travel within the city.

The initiative particularly targets those traveling from Islamabad to Rawalpindi, urging them to use the metro bus service and then rent bicycles for shopping in the inner city or Saddar. Upon completing their errands, citizens can return the rented bicycles before heading back to Islamabad via the metro.

Government employees, teachers, and students are being actively encouraged to adopt bicycles for their daily commutes instead of relying on motorbikes. The initiative also seeks to promote bicycle rentals for intra-city commuting, aiming to revive a practice that was once widespread in Rawalpindi city two decades ago.

Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema kickstarted the project last Sunday by personally cycling five Kilometres. Additionally, to make bicycles more accessible, the initiative includes plans to offer affordable installment options for citizens interested in purchasing bicycles.

Mohammad Amin Baig, a senior research officer at the department of environment, highlighted the severe pollution levels in Rawalpindi resulting from the high volume of vehicles, motorcycles, rickshaws, and wagons.

Read: Govt employees to cycle to work

The initiative aims not only to provide residents with a healthier mode of transportation but also to significantly improve the overall air quality and atmosphere of the city.

Hazards of ‘single-use plastics’

The Environment Protection Department operating within the Punjab Green Development Programme framework, recently organised a seminar titled "Negative Environmental and Health Impacts of Single-Use Plastics" at the Potohar Town Hall in Rawalpindi.

Diverse representatives such as large retailers, plastic producers, media, civil society organisations, academia, and traders actively participated in this session.

The Director of Environmental Policy and Planning at the Strategic Planning and Implementation Unit of the Environment Protection Department, Dr Anber Raheel, discussed the government's policy measures and actions to mitigate the use of single-use plastics. Additionally, scholars from esteemed institutions including Fatima Jinnah Women's University, Allama Iqbal Open University, and Arid Agriculture University enlightened the attendees on the detrimental health and environmental impacts of single-use plastics.

The Environment Protection Department underlines the importance of educating the public about the adverse effects of single-use plastics on the environment and health. Through these targeted initiatives, the campaign aims to instill a sense of responsibility among citizens and promote sustainable practices.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 8^th, 2023.