Mangaluru: Thousand pedal to give a message for a clean city

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Nov 09, 2015: More than a thousand cyclists, of whom at least 900 were students, rode across Mangaluru for about 12 km spreading the message of ‘Clean Mangaluru-Best Mangaluru’, on Nov 8, Sunday.

The rally took off from Mangala Stadium even as the cyclists were allowed to move in batches under the guidance of professional cyclists. Wearing yellow T-shirts, the youngsters, aged above 10, rode a variety of bicycles—from ordinary kids’ bikes to mountain terrain bikes.

Chief Whip of the Opposition in the Legislative Council Ganesh Karnik flagged off the rally in the presence of Mangaluru City Corporation Commissioner Gopalakrishna and others.

The rally then moved on Kudroli Main Road to reach Car Street. From there, the cyclists were led towards Hampanakatte, then Central Railway Station, Attavara, Valencia, Kankanadiy, Balmatta, Kadri, Bunts’ Hostel, PVS, M.G. Road before culminating at Mangala Stadium.

Even as the bicycle rally drew the attention of many citizens, who stood on the wayside and cheered the cyclists, many parents followed their children either on bicycles or motorcycles.   Watching the participants enthusiastically, a lady said that cycling in Mangaluru has a bright future and students needed to be encouraged to use bicycles to and from their schools/colleges.

The cyclists were provided refreshments at the St. Joseph’s Seminary in Jeppu. Water, flavoured milk and chocolates were provided to them. On culmination, they were served with breakfast.

The valedictory was attended by Mayor Jacintha Vijay Alfred, MLA J.R. Lobo, Zilla Panchayat CEO P.I. Srividya and other dignitaries. Two kids who participated in the rally had a pleasant surprise—they got two gear bicycles on drawing lots. Some kids also got other gifts.  The dignitaries in their address emphasised the need for keeping Mangaluru clean to make it the best city.