Patna, Jan. 2: Bicycle, it seems, has become the lucky charm of the Nitish Kumar government.

After the successful implementation of Mukhyamantri Balika Cycle Yojana, the NDA government in its second term is planning a bigger role for the good, old and reliable means of transport.

The state department of art, culture and youth affairs is toying with an idea to promote cycling — the only means of transport that does not add to environment pollution— at important tourist destinations. The idea is aimed to keep the pollution level low at popular tourist destinations in the state.

“The department is thinking about putting a system in place by which bicycles would be rented out to tourists visiting the state,” art, culture and youth affairs department secretary K.P. Ramaiah told The Telegraph.

He said the move aims to promote the green cause and also add new elements to the tourism facilities in the state.

“It would also be fun for tourists to move on bicycles. We may start the project in the current fiscal (2010-11),” Ramaiah said.

He also spoke about the department’s plan to start bicycle clubs at divisional headquarters where one could get bicycles at a nominal rent. The purpose of this move is to provide a source of transportation to those who come from different places to the divisional headquarters for work, said Ramaiah.

“The bicycle club would not only give people an option to hire a low-cost means of transportation, it would also reduce people’s dependence on public transports,” said Ramaiah.

He said if the experiment achieves the desired results, similar clubs might be started in district headquarters.

Apart from these proposed steps, the department has also started a special drive — Bihar Cycle Campaign — to promote the habit of cycling among youths, who, in their craze for motorcycles, have forgotten about the benefits of cycling.

The drive also involves organising bicycle rallies for school and college students. The winners, from both boys and girls categories, would be awarded attractive gifts.

Ramaiah said: “Cycling events are organised in district and divisional headquarters every month. The events are organised for boys and girls alternatively at the district and divisional headquarters.” He added while such events would promote cycling among youths, it is also good for their health.

People who cycle regularly have less chances of developing lifestyle diseases like blood pressure, diabetes and heart ailments. “Cycling is environment friendly as it does not run on fuel,” he said.

CYCLING FACTS IN PIPELINE

Plans to rent out bicycles at tourist spots

Plans to start bicycle clubs at divisional headquarters

Would start in district headquarters if move yields results

ON PATH

Bihar Cycle Campaign

Organise bicycle rallies for school and college students

Organised in district and divisional headquarters every month

BENEFITS

Low pollution levels

Source of transportation for people who come to divisional headquarter for work

Low-cost and less dependence on public transport

Promote habit among youths

Less chances of developing lifestyle diseases