Let's hit the road on bicycle

Bicycle has a host of benefits. It costs little, requires no fuel, and needs little knowledge to maintain. It is the most environmentally friendly vehicle after horse. Cycling is a very good cardiovascular exercise. And it is fun! Besides, bicycle is the most efficient vehicle yet in terms of input output ratio.

Unfortunately, in our country riding a bicycle is considered a sign of poor and rustic lifestyle. This is in contrast with rich countries of Europe where it is associated with sporty ways. Likes of Mercedes, BMW are falling over each other in making bicycles to give their brand and 'active' image. A Mercedes mountain bike sells for around $4,500!

To popularise cycling, both government and private involvement is needed. Would celebrities such as cricketers, TV stars, and other aware people of society come forward to promote it? I would also request government to encourage its officials to use bicycle as part of recent austerity measure. To facilitate riders, government can also mark sides of roads for bicycle.