Govt officials in Hassan pedal to show the way

HASSAN: About 60 government officials went pedaling on their bicycles early Sunday morning in Hassan to spread the message of a pollution-free environment and riding for fitness. The cyclists started off from the taluk office braving the early morning showers.
Talking about his new-found passion for cycling, K Mathai, tahsildar, Hassan taluk, said: "Cycling has become my daily routine now and I feel fit.I am also saving government's money in the process and contributing towards protecting this lush green environment for the future."
Umapathy Madyar, a resident who joined the government officials, said: "I was heading towards Udupi on my cycle, when I met the cyclists near Arasikere. I joined them to encourage them."
Madyar went on to add that he had been cycling for several years to spread the message of good health. He claimed that he even cycled to meet the President at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi two years ago. "But I was unable to meet the President and the security guards also seized my bicycle. I came back by train," he recalled.
Ramakanth G D, counselor at the Government Hospital in Hassan, spoke about his 29-year-old relationship with his cycle. "I have a motorbike, but I use it only for emergency purposes. I mostly use my cycle for all other purposes. I've been riding since my school days."