CHANDIGARH: Chandigarh authorities have called all the residents to avoid using their motor vehicles today, on September 23, to observe the ‘World Car Free Day’. The move will highlight the environmental damage caused by motor vehicles and promote the use of cycles as a healthier alternative. Chandigarh Traffic Police will take part in the event by educating the daily commuters about the benefits of cycling as opposed to the traditional commutation alternative of cars or motorbikes.
An event, ‘Chandigarh Pedal’, is organised to promote public bike-sharing system in the city. The event began at the Sector 17 Plaza at 9 am. There are 12 points in the city that work as cycle docks. Cycles can be rented from any one of these points and returned to the other point. As many as 40 bicycles will be used for this demonstration.
As compared to 11.28 lakh people, the city has 11.62 registered vehicles and this, according to environmentalists, has contributed to the growing air pollution levels of the city.