A colourful bicycle rally was held in Rajshahi city on Friday to raise awareness about traffic congestion and promote the slogan ‘Make the city bicycle-friendly, make cycle lanes mandatory.’
With support from Duranto Bicycle, the Rajshahi Metropolitan Police and non-government organisation Round Table Bangladesh jointly organised the event, which saw the participation of about a hundred cyclists.
The rally began at 9:30am from the central Eidgah ground and moved through Eidgah Road, Fire Service Road, C&B Mor and the DIG office before returning to the starting point.
Participating cyclists said that cycling keeps the mind cheerful, contributes to good health and helps protect the body from various diseases. They also urged the authorities to introduce dedicated bicycle lanes in the city to reduce traffic jams, vehicle emissions and air pollution.
Later, RMP traffic division deputy commissioner Nur Alam Siddique distributed crests among participants as the chief guest. He said that the bicycle was not just a vehicle but a powerful means for creating a pollution-free environment.
‘Regular cycling benefits both physical fitness and mental well-being,’ he said, urging residents to adopt cycling as part of their daily routine for a healthier life.
Ejaz Mahmud Rony, international relations officer of Round Table Bangladesh, said that cycling was a symbol of a sustainable and environmentally friendly lifestyle.
‘If the younger generation develops this habit, Rajshahi will become a more beautiful and vibrant city,’ he hoped.