Pedal-happy Hassan tahsildar leads by example

HASSAN: It seems cycling-to-work culture is spreading far and wide, and fast. A top government official in Hassan took to cycling on Monday, almost two months after such an initiative kicked off in neighbouring Mysore.
With a rise in fuel price, many are either using public transport or walking to office. But Hassan tahsildar K Mathai chose to be different, by cycling to office.Speaking about his new-found transport mode, he said: "Recently, I read an article on 'cycling to work place', which inspired me to go on rides with my son. The recent reports about government officers riding to office made me switch to cycling," he added.
"I'm thinking of continuing it on all working days. I use office vehicle only for visiting other places in the taluk. But ride for personal work and to commute to places in city limits. Good climate and roads too favour my mode of transport," Mathai said, adding that he paid Rs 14,000 for his new bicycle. "I'm sure it ensures return on investment, healthwise and otherwise, by saving fuel and the related expenditure. I will campaign for cycling so that other government offices also follow suit."
By this weekend, board education officers will join the campaign. "With this, the district may get more officers riding to office. Introducing this to students is also in the offing," he added.