Press
Briefing
-
Cyclone
October
25,
2004
In
Sri
Lanka
there
are
approximately
two
million
bicycles.
However,
the
provision
of
infrastructure
to
cater
the
requirement
of
the
cyclists
is
minimal.
Apart
from
the
lack
of
proper
infrastructure
facilities,
the
increase
of
motor
vehicles
is
another
factor
that
hinders
the
bicycle
use.
This
sudden
influx
of
motor
vehicles
coupled
with
inadequate
road
network
has
led
to
traffic
congestions,
increased
number
of
traffic
related
accidents,
and
air
pollution
from
vehicular
emissions.
In
addition
currently
there
is
an
increase
in
the
fuel
prices
and
bus
fares.
The use of bicycles reduces the congestion in cities and provides better access than car or bus to a range of facilities within distances of up to five kilometres. More bicycling means a reduction on foreign oil imports. Further, cycling consumes less energy per passenger kilometre than any other form of transport, even including walking. Therefore, it is the most appropriate time then to get into bicycles. Yet are the roads safe? Are there infrastructure facilities that grant a safe and comfortable journey for cycle users?
Then
let
us
all
get
together
on
our
bicycles
and
reclaim
our
rights
on
the
road.
You
can
join
us
on
the
7th
of
November
to
cycle
up
in
the
CYCLONE
-bicycle
rally
with
a
difference
organized
by
ITDG
South
Asia
in
association
with
the
National
Mountain
Biking
Association
(NMBA).
ITDG
-
South
Asia
in
association
with
the
Interim
Committee
for
Cycling
and
the
National
Mountain
Biking
Association
is
organizing
a
press
briefing
about
the
CYCLONE
2004
on
the
28th
of
November
2004
at
5.45
p.m.
p.m.
onwards
at
the
Satin
Room,
Grand
Oriental
Hotel,
No.02,York
Street,
Colombo
01.
We
are
pleased
to
have
your
participation
and
patronage
for
this
event.
Agenda
1.
Introduction
2.
Presentation
on
the
rally
3.
Time
for
discussion
4.
Fellowship
Dhanushi
Senanayake
Co-ordinator
Publicity
ITDG
South
Asia