‘Ride for Cleaner Greener Penang’ is a campaign to promote the excitement of cycling and a healthier lifestyle as we work towards a cleaner and greener Penang. It is also to promote public awareness of green transportation in order to create a greener public realm. Furthermore, this ride aims to support Penang state “GREENER & CLEANER” campaign which encourages people to walk, cycle or use public transport instead of using cars for short trips. It is widely recognised that an increase in walking and cycling for short journeys could significantly reduce traffic congestion, improve the quality of the urban environment, promote improved personal health, and contribute to a reduction in carbon emissions.
Background
Cleaner, Greener Penang is an initiative by the Penang state government as part of an effort to transform Penang into the most environmentally-friendly and livable city in Malaysia. In conjunction with this initiative, Cleaner & Greener Sports and Lions Club of Penang Komtar will be organizing a Bicycle Riding Campaign “Ride for Cleaner & Greener – Penang 2013″ to promote public awareness to love our environment and create a greener public realm.
Besides, Ride for Cleaner & Greener Cycling Campaign is also a fund raising campaign for Lions Club of Penang Komtar Sight First Project. For nearly 100 years, Lions members have worked on projects designed to prevent blindness, restore eyesight and improve eye health and eye care for hundreds of millions of people worldwide. Lions Club of Penang Komtar will provide FREE cataract surgery for the needy of the community.
If you are interested in this cycling campaign, you can register at this event authorized bicycle shops such as Lim Bicycle, CCI, Syarikat Chin Aik, Lee Seng Bicycle Shop, Perniagaan Basikal Sim, Minivelo Trading, Giant Cycling World, Kalachia, Pink Bike Cycle, Kah Kean Trading, Kedai Basikal Eng Hong, Weng Seng Hin, Dreamworkz Cycle, Bikers Maniac, KT Cyclone, Cycle Lab, Oze Cycle Shop, Kedai Basikal Lima Satu Lapan MTB, Kedai Basikal Geh Keong, Kim Teik Cycle Enterprise, Sen Da Trading, CT Cycle and SH Cycling Zone.
This cycling campaign is sponsored by GH Speedbikes, THUL S.E.A, Le Run Industries, SHIMANO, NGEE CYCLE, ESY Bike, PedalSpot, Vee Rubber Premium, Zero2Hero, CONTICOMPONENTS, and Raleigh Marketting.
Participate
“Ride for Cleaner & Greener - Penang 2013” was held on 6th January 2013 at Straits Quay.
Participation is open to those 14 years and above and those below 18 years must get consent from their parents(s) or guardian(s). Registration is valid after received the fee of RM70 per person. Hence, registered cyclist can get a high quality jersey manufactured by Brooks, a goodies bag with samples and meal vouchers from the sponsors.
The State Local Government and Traffic Management Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow flagged off the event on 7.00am. Therefore, the participants were ensured to present 30 minutes before it started. The route of cycling would be around 39km and advised to be complete within 3 hours. Yet almost 3, 000 cycling enthusiasts participated and crowded along the road from Straits Quay to United Overseas Bank Jalan Kelawei.
There was a dancing competition in conjunction with Ride for Cleaner & Greener Cycling Campaign for the teenagers who love dancing. It created a platform for them to discover their talent. Winners rewarded with trophy. The cyclists who ride back earlier enjoyed the dancing show. On top of that, a coloring contest was created for kids too. The winners of the coloring competition were rewarded with Prizes.
A sum of RM10, 000 from the registration fees collected was channelled to the Lions Club of Penang’s Komtar SightFirst Programme, which will benefit people with visual disabilities.
Conclusion
The State Government of Penang continue with the efforts to make Penang the most environmentally sound and livable city in Malaysia with their initiative, Cleaner & Greener Sports by organizing a Bicycle Riding Campaign to promote public awareness to love our environment and create a greener public realm.
Cycling is therapeutic for the cardiovascular system. Cycling makes the heart pound in a steady manner and helps to improve cardiovascular fitness. Steady cycling would burn fats and helps build muscle. It also gives the body a fast and energetic workout. Riding a bicycle is great for the greener environment.
Riding bicycle is great for the environment. It helps reduce air pollution at the same time. This campaign awake the Penang resident to protect the living environment, reduce air pollution by bicycling, bicycle replace the car for a short trips. As a Penang resident, it is our responsibility to make contribution to the initiative of a cleaner, greener Penang.
References
New faces determined to promote cleaner environment.2011.
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Bike To Work Week And Reduce Heart Disease Risk By Half.2011.
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Ride for Cleaner and Greener Penang @ 6/1/2013.
Retrieve from http://www.mesym.com/en/articles/ride-for-cleaner-and-greener-penang-612013/
Ride for Cleaner & Greener – Penang 2013.
Retrieve from http://penangevents.com.my/index.php/more-news/item/19-ride-for-cleaner-greener-penang-2013
Out cycling for a cause.
Retrieve from http://thestar.com.my/metro/
