Kolkata: On the
occasion of World Bicycle Day, SwitchON Foundation in partnership with various
cycle groups in Kolkata organized a cycling and plastic pick-up drive to
celebrate the theme of World Environment Day i.e BeatPlasticPollution thereby
creating awareness amongst people about curbing plastic pollution and proper
management of plastic waste.
Cyclists from various prominent cycle groups
like Cycle-ops, Kolkata
Cycle Samaj, Pansila Ghosh Para Reformation Society came forward and
volunteered for the cause of Clean Bengal. SwitchON has also approached the
Development Authorities of the city to collaborate as a knowledge &
technical partner on a pro bono basis to promote clean and green
transportation.
A report was also released
by SwitchON Foundation on cycling perception study that was undertaken by
visitors of Kolkata Book Fair 2023. The study was carried out through a survey
of 4882 visitors.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Vinay Jaju, MD SwitchON Foundation said, “Cycling is a simple, affordable and environment friendly commute
that can be adopted by each and every citizen. On this day, let’s join hands to
pedal for a future that is free of pollution and congestion.” He further added, “Our survey at the Kolkata book fair shows there is an overwhelming
support for cycling across Kolkata. On World Bicycle Day, we celebrate bicycles
to come back as a reliable, safe and clean mode of transport.”
SwitchON Foundation also collaborated with the
New Town Kolkata Development Authority and took part in a panel discussion on
Ride to work Campaign to support awareness on using bicycles among the cyclists
and others in Newtown Kolkata. The Campaigns primarily will look into further
developing the culture of cycling in Newtown.
As per
National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), West Bengal has achieved a rare feat as
78.9% of its households have bicycles, the highest in the country. The bicycle
is also the preferred mode of transportation for many in areas where there is a
gap in public transport. On World Bicycle Day, cycle groups pedaled their cycle with great enthusiasm and created
awareness amongst people by shouting slogans and raising posters on the
importance of cycling and not to use single-use plastics. The cyclists pedaled
and picked up plastic wastes lying in the roadside area and depositing it in
the garbage bins.
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