Demand in city for ‘cycle tourism’ decreasing

There are around 60 cycles available that can be hired from Sukhna Lake,Tourist Information Centre,Sector 17 and Karuna Sadan,Sector 11 by paying Rs 100. The city has separate cycle tracks on several stretches of roads.

The increase in the traffic on roads has been reported to be a reason for the decline as it discourages cycle tourism among tourists. An example is an instance of a couple from Holland,who had booked cycles in advance for touring the city,but dropped the plan after witnessing the traffic.

Parmod Sharma,the coordinator of Yuvsatta,said,“Foreign tourists come with a desire for cycle tourism,as they are habituated to riding cycles,but the heavy traffic of the city discourages them from opting for it.”

“Cycle tourism is an initiative taken by the Administration so as to keep the city pollution-free. Apart from foreigners,local residents possessing love for nature,hire cycles for weekend trips,in order to visit the nearby spots of beauty. Opting for this mode of tourism will not only improve the environmental condition,but will also be a good source of exercise for the rider,” added Sharma.

Domestic tourists as well as local residents,however,have been found to be reluctant to avail of this service,considering it to be an act of embarrassment.

“Domestic tourists are reluctant to opt for cycle riding,though the city includes various sightseeing zones,especially gardens,and cycles are the most convenient mode of touring the city at one’s own pace and leisure,” said AK Malhotra,General Manager,Chandigarh Industrial and Tourism Development Corporation.