The Hindu : Some fun, some adventure

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Jan 18, 2004

New Delhi

New Delhi

Some fun, some adventure

By Sujay Mehdudia

NEW DELHI, JAN.17. Sundays will never be the same again for Delhiites from next month. Mixing fun with a touch of adventure sports and involving young and old alike in a unique venture aimed at making them physically fit, the Delhi Chief Minister, Sheila Dikshit, has decided to promote the concept of "bicycling clubs'' in various parts of the Capital.

These clubs are likely to be launched in phases after January 26 in various districts of the city. Initially the programme would be taken up at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium at Bawana in North-West Delhi, Chhatrasal Stadium in North Delhi and one stadium or sports complex in East Delhi. It is also planned to make full use of the cycle tracks that have been provided in certain parts of the Capital and on some wide roads. Depending on the success of this initiative, it would be spread out to other parts of the Capital.

Disclosing this, Ms. Dikshit said that under the project, the Sports Department of the Delhi Government would purchase large number bicycles and place them at these venues under the guidance of some supervisors. In order to make the whole affair attractive and exciting, it is proposed to have colourful and customised designer bicycles. Ms. Dikshit said that on all Sundays, these cycles would be placed at these stadiums and children, women and senior citizens would be invited to participate in the fun ride. These individuals have to reach the stadium in the morning, take the cycles from there and then pedal away. However, at the end of the day, they would be required to deposit these bicycles back in the stadiums and in the safe custody of those from whom they had been taken.

The Chief Minister disclosed that neither any security deposit nor any rent would be charged for the use of these bicycles. However, supervisors would note down the addresses of those using these bicycles. In case anyone does not return the bicycle, his or her name would be made public the next day. "The idea is to promote adventure sports among the kids and old alike. It would also inculcate a sense of responsibility among youngsters, as they would be required to deposit the cycles back after use. The effort is to ensure constructive participation of the younger generation in activities that promote a sense of competition and help them in having a better interaction with seniors,'' she remarked.

Ms. Dikshit said she had asked the Education and Sports Department to complete the formalities and come up with the broad outlines of the project soon. There is also a possibility of having a tie-up with bicycle manufacturing companies for supply of such designer cycles. The Chief Minister said all safety precautions would be taken and the basic gear required for such adventure run would be put in place before the bicycle is issued to any individual. In fact, she said the traffic police could also be asked to make certain roads traffic-free on Sundays to let the bikers have all-out fun.

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