The environment and forest department has decided to reward those who cycle their way to eco parks for their morning walks. The contest begins from October 8, the last day of the wildlife week.

According to estimates, around 3,000-5,000 people visit eco parks in Patna for their morning walks. Many also attend yoga sessions in the parks near the secretariat. These parks boast of dedicated tracks for joggers and walkers and have special facilities for children. They open around 5am and entry is free till 8am.

Most visitors, however, come in two-wheelers or four-wheelers. Hardly anybody walks down. According to the environment and forest department plan, visitors would be given the chance to win a prize should they pedal down to the park from October 8. 'Those willing to take part in the competition, on till February 28, would have to come on a bicycle, which would have to be parked at a fixed place,' D.K. Shukla, principal chief conservator of forests, said.

'Also, they would have to register with their identity details, like fingerprints . After registration, our personnel will maintain a record on those coming on cycles. Participants will have to mark their biometric attendance to rule out impersonation.'

The top 100 registered participants would win rewards - bicycles, track suits and T-shirts among other things - on the basis of attendance and use of cycles.

S.N. Mishra, a Raja Bazaar resident who rides to the park on his motorbike, said: 'My son's bicycle has not been used for some time. I am going to get it repaired and start cycling down now.' Prakash Sharma, a Boring Road resident, said: 'Once a large number of people start cycling down more would follow. Many are initially inhibited by what remark their friends would pass.'