Cycle chalao!

If you see college students cycling in Mulund east from the station to V G Vaze College instead of taking autos or travelling by car and motor cycle, do not be surprised. This is courtesy a new initiative undertaken by the Rotary Club of Mulund East and the brain child of a student body called I-Initiative.

“I-Initiative comprises four students and three mentors who have started working for improvement in three areas: environment, governance and education. It is not an area based operation. Last year we took up improvement of BMC schools after research and campaigning. We spread the message of Right to Information in colleges. Cycle Chalao is part of our environment conservation effort and the pilot phase started at Mulund,” informs Rajkumar Janagam from I-Initiative.

Students pick up cycles placed by Rotary club near Mulund  station on the east and outside Vaze college

The project was inaugurated by Dr B B Sharma, principal of Vaze College on the morning of January 25. During the day the cycles will be parked opposite to the auto stand on Mulund East B K Road and outside the College. “Part of the area has been cordoned off to park the cycles. Care takers are there at both ends and the key should be handed over to them,” says Vinay Kulkarni, president of Rotary Club of Mulund East.

During the nights and during holidays the cycles will be parked at Sunil Bhagat’s residence behind Jai Ganesh theatre. Bhagat stays near the station and has donated the space. “They have put some special mudguards and will post eco friendly messages sponsored by corporate companies. This will bring in in some funds. We will also back them by funding and donating more cycles,” assures Kulkarni.  

“The subscription amount is very nominal. The students also have the option of registering temporarily. They get an identity card and pay Rs 3 for half an hour. There was an excellent response on the inaugural day (January 25) and we expect more registrations. The response is very encouraging. Students who have not cycled for years are trying to get their balance right,” says Rajkumar.