The golden wheels should come back into Manipur streets
It is right time we revived the use of bicycles instead of automobiles in view of its benifits on pollution control, health, parking and traffic easiness. Let the bicycle mandila sounds fill the streets of modern society.
“MOVEMENT FOR revival of bicycles is highly relevant in Manipur nowadays in view of the multi-faceted benefits of riding bicycles. As against the automobiles, transport on this traditional wheels is economical, environment-friendly and health-supportive. Bicycles reduce parking inadequacy, traffic jams and fuel-scarcity issues. It is high time we whole-heartedly supported the move for popularising bicycles initiated by Club Cycle Manipur on the facebook pages of internet.” It is told that cops too took on bicycles in the olden days, which the present generation perceives to be a mockery. In early morning, newspaper hawkers used to deliver papers on bicycles from street to street, from one household to the other, even the dogs hesitated to bark due to its familiarity with sounds of bicycle wheels and mandila. The cinema hall parkings are no longer filled with bicycles, as it were before. Even small students have begun to stick to motor bikes instead of bicycles for their tuition, schools and colleges. In businesses, offices, schools, colleges, universities etc. bicycles played an important role from the very beginning. Bicycles are also a big part of adventure and sports, apart from being an item of recreation. Biking tour, picnics etc. were always conducted with bicycles. Cycle race is an interesting event in sports festivals. Bicycle has been as a beautiful part of Manipuri tradition since the olden days. Bicycles and its revival are the need of the hour in view of there relevance in present situation of the state. Its contribution to environment protection and pollution control has none to compare with. This human-powered bike does not emit chemicals which harm human environment. It reduces noise pollution and air pollution in the cities. The huge quantum of smokes and chemicals produced by thousands of automobiles today will be reduced to a considerable extent if bicycles are revived. Revivalism does not mean that we totally switch to bicycles for all our conveyances. We may ride bicycles as much as possible wherever it is appropriate and timely. Bicycles are highly economical in terms of its price as compared to automobiles and its maintenance cost. Fuel prices have soared up to unaffordable levels for many who use vehicles. During times of scarcity, petrol even costs above 100 rupees a litre in black market. Moreover, people have to stay nights in order to be in the long queues in front of pumps to get a few litres of fuel. If we can switch to bicycles for small purposes and appropriate short drives, consumption of petrol will be considerably reduced. The economy of the state will get a boost automatically. Cycling proves to be one of the most effective exercises, to shed off those extra calories and get rid of flabby abs. Even a small amount of cycling can prove to be good enough to boost body metabolism level, thereby fastening weight loss programs. Cycling minimizes the risk of coronary heart disease. Essentially an aerobic exercise, it gives heart, blood vessels and lungs a workout, thereby reducing the risk of heart problems. A few miles of cycling per day assure trimmer and toned muscles. This is because the upper thigh muscles, backside and calf muscles all get to workout. Pursuing cycling helps a great deal in building body stamina. It enables to carry out day-to-day activities more effectively. For people, who are on the heavier side, cycling can prove to be beneficial. It manages weight and helps in getting rid of increased waistline and bulging fat. The pleasure and satisfaction attained while riding a bicycle alleviates all the stress, anxiety and depression of a person. Cycling enhances the overall fitness level of a person. It makes us breathe deeper and perspire more, thereby leading to a feeling of enhanced body temperature. Although many people ride automobiles for increased convenience, comfort and swiftness, there are inherent negative impact of reduction in cycling population on health, environment and economy of the society. Cycling can prove to be the best mode to move around without any difficulty as it relieves us from frequent accidents, traffic congestions and parking inadequacies in the city. Club cycle Manipur is an innovative proposal from sensible people of the state. It will surely mobilize and promote use of bicycles in Manipur. This movement for reviving bicycles needs the mass support so as to materialize the set goals. Here are a few humble suggestions from my end in this regard:- 1. Bicycles Day – a day may be dedicated for promotion of bicycles in the state with organisation of campaigns, rallies, seminars, student competitions, debates etc. Aged cycle riders may be honoured with lifetime awards. 2. Bicycles Exhibition – An exhibition of bicycles may be organised in collaboration with cycle merchants, NGOs and CBOs with support of Social Welfare department, Youth Affairs and sports department, Art and culture department, Health and education departments. It will help in increasing cycling population by removing shyness to be on the wheels, if any. 3. Separate parking and road tract – Separate parkings for bicycles may be earmarked at city areas and a separate road tract may be spared for cycle riders, so that riders are not disturbed by heavy and light automobiles. 4. Cycle Loans – Financial institutions may be motivated to provide cycle loans to those who vie for it, as is done for Cars and Bikes. My humble thought has now led me to hunt for a second hand Humber cycle. I have decided to ride on this golden wheels for my conveyance, as much as it is appropriate and it is timely. My decision is for a great cause. Take yours now…!
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