March Heritage Video

By The Star
Monday April 20, 2009
100 cyclists on 20km ride to deliver Earth Day pledge
THE people should practise sustainable consumption of resources as it would help ensure a better tomorrow, said Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.
“This is one of the values which we want to spread among the public, and it goes in line with our aim of making Penang an international city and habitat of choice.
“To do this, we need to practise a sustainable lifestyle and reduce our carbon footprint. By practising the 3R’s — reduce, reuse and recycle, we’re doing our part to help the environment,” he said.
Cyclists on a mission: Lim flagging off the cyclists from his official residence, Seri Teratai, on Macalister Road.
Lim said this after waving off almost 100 cyclists carrying an Earth Day declaration — a pledge to care for the environment — to Sunshine Square in Bayan Baru from his official residence, Seri Teratai, on Macalister Road yesterday.
Held in conjunction with the Earth Day Carnival 2009, the 20km ride was aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle and a love for the environment.
Tanjung Bungah assemblyman Teh Yee Cheu, who was also the organising co-chairman, said that if more people opted for bicycles as their transportation of choice especially in congested urban areas, it would greatly cut down the number of cars on the road and reduce carbon dioxide emissions, although it might take some time to change their mindsets.
“To celebrate Earth Day, we wanted to send a green message and raise public awareness, and we’re glad that Penangites have thus far been very supportive of such efforts.
“Not only is cycling a very healthy activity, it is economical too,” he said.
Teh added that the local government was also considering plans to designate special bicycle lanes on existing roads or construct dedicated bicycle paths in its efforts to promote cycling among the public.
The cyclists, mostly clad in green T-shirts, were in jovial mood as they gathered at Seri Teratai on a lazy Sunday morning.
Among them was Sim Lai Seng, who took part in the campaign as he believed in preserving the environment.
“The most important message to get across is — don’t destroy the Earth.
“We should keep it green, for the sake of future generations,” he said.
Avid cyclist Cheng Kim Heng enjoys the exercise, and every morning without fail, he would cycle from his home in Kampung Baru to town to meet up with friends.
The 20km route took the cyclists down Jalan Residensi, Jalan Utama, Scotland Road, Jalan Masjid Negeri, Green Lane, Jalan Gelugor, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah and on to Sunshine Square where they delivered the declaration to the organiser of the World Earth Day 2009 celebration held at the supermarket.