Imphal: Manipur consumer affairs, food and public distribution minister Karam Shyam said he would ride bicycle to his office every Thursday as he flagged off the cyclothon from Malom Depot IOCL here on Sunday.

The minister, led the cycle rally, organised to create awareness on conservation of fuel. It ended at Keishampat Oil Pump, 7.5km from the starting point.

Around 100 cyclists took part in the rally organised by public sector oil companies in association with the Petroleum Conservation Research Association under the aegis of the ministry of petroleum and natural gas.

The cyclothon comes in the backdrop of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal to the people on Mann ki Baat, a radio programme, to avoid using petrol and diesel at least once a week. He said it would help conserve fuel and contribute to the nation building.

"I will ride bicycle every Thursday to my office," said Karam Shyam.

His residence at Langthabal in Imphal West is around 10km from the secretariat.

Karam Shyam said riding a cycle was a message to all the citizens on the importance of fuel conservation.

"As a political leader and as a citizen of the state, we must encourage and promote cycling," he added. #He appealed to parents and guardians to promote the use of bicycles among students instead of two wheelers and cars. The minister said it was a collective responsibility of all to use fuel judiciously.

"If cycling becomes popular, the government can consider making special lanes for cyclists," Karam Shyam said. The cyclothon is under way across the country and will continue till December 31.