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We invite you to join and support –
Pune Pedal Power, the largest
community cycle rally being held in our city on 5th June, 2010- The World
Environment Day.
The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) sponsored theme this year;
Many species. One
Planet. One Future,
intends to highlight environmental concerns and to engage urban communities, civil
society and corporate leader’s world over, in its protection and conservation.
Pune is the cycle capital and was once called “Cycle City” of India. The wonder
machine, indeed, has pedaled silently in the history, culture & ethos of this
great urban center. This proud past has to be discovered and shared. So that the
Puneites engage themselves in a resolution to re-visit cycle and restore its due
place in their respective lives, as a collective norm. We have set ourselves to
this challenging task and expect your active support to the cause.
Yes! Pune has the potential to grow into an exemplary, sustainable urban mobility
centre, in the country. After all, we have 126 kms of cycle tracks in the city.
The civic authorities continue to be under pressure to assign fair annual budgets
for development of pedestrian & cyclist-friendly facilities. The aware citizens
are contesting for cycle space on ‘Bus Rapid Transport’ (BRT). The National Urban
Renewal Mission has earmarked large funds for mass transit systems like the Metro. The
proposed metro plans for Pune City have ignited an endless public debate in media
& other civic forums.
The army formations regularly send widely reported cycle expeditions to distant
places. The cycle is known to be the closest companion of the NDA cadet. The College
of Military Engineers (CME) has adopted the cycle as the mode of campus mobility twice a
week. Infosys provides a large number of cycles for campus transit. The cycle remains
a much favored mode of transport for the school children in Pune.
A few hundred Pune citizens proceed on annual adventure cycling camps for weeks
together to places as far as Khardungla, Leh and Ladakh. The endurance and adventure
camps in the vicinity of our city are a frequent and welcome sight. We have among ourselves
the race, track and long distance champions. A large number of celebrated cyclists
happen to reside in Pune. We have a group of determined social activists fighting brave,lone battles for the rights of pedestrians and cyclists
on ‘The contested streets & spaces’.
Pune is a city with a private cycle museum, largest cycle mall in India and the longest
cycle tracks in India.
Thus, we believe that Pune has a strong chance to initiate sustainable urban mobility
policies and plans for the rest of India to follow. The fortunate presence of socially
aware citizens and companies truly brightens the prospects for Planet Pune.
Need of the hour…. Pedal Power….
Your city needs you to…
· Protect Environment
· Combat Pollution
· Create Green Tomorrow
· Encourage Cycle Mobility
· Reduce Traffic Congestion
· Improve health & fitness
· Give Human Face to your Voice
Join us & support the cause....
Please join in large numbers for this community ride.
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