Kerala: Car-free day in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday

Thiruvananthapuram: The state capital is all set to observe the World Car-Free Day on Sunday with the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation jointly with Indus Cycling Embassy organising a slew of programmes to popularise green transportation at Manaveeyam Veedhi. The civic body has already launched Bicycle Brigade at several schools in the state capital to popularise cycling.  As part of its effort to strengthen the Cycling Brigade initiative, the civic body is organising a collection drive of used bicycles on the World Car-Free Day.  

"We have launched a three-day collection drive of used bicycles. Interested people can contribute cycles at our health circle offices. We are also planning for a special collection drive on Sunday at Manaveeyam Veeshi," said an official of the civic body.  The Corporation has launched the 'No Burn' campaign in the state capital to beat air pollution in the state capital.

 "We urge the public to not use a car for small distance commutation on Sunday. Air quality is deteriorating day by day and this year the theme of the World Environment Day itself is Beat Air Pollution. On Sunday we all should contribute in our own way by using public transportation, bicycle or train for commutation.

Carpooling too is an option. Emission from vehicles is one of the prime reasons for global warming. We should do our bit for the environment," said Prakash P Gopinath of Indus Cycling Embassy - who have partnered with the Corporation for the initiative.

He said that a cycle rally would be organised on Sunday from 6.30 am to 730 am. "Traffic would be restricted at Manaveeyam Veedhi to facilitate the public to explore cycling. Women and children can come there and learn cycling if they want to. There will be mechanics available there to fix the bicycles. They would teach interested children how to repair cycles," said Mr Prakash.

The civic body is planning to implement cycle brigade at more schools in the state capital.