130 cyclists to take part in Shimla heritage ride

To raise awareness about the environment and promotecycling, 130 cyclists from 20 cities across India would participatein a heritage ride starting from Shimla ridge on April 14.
A race will also commence on April 15 from Woodwille Palace here and conclude at the same place the next day covering 120 km with an elevation gain of 3500 metres.
A spokesman of HASTPA said over the last few years, there has been a rise in the number of vehicles and a shortage of parking spaces in the Himachal Pradesh capital. Traffic jams have also become a common sight.
Himalayan Adventure Sportsand Tourism Promotion Association (HASTPA) is organising the rally.

Sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives of transit like cycling are the need of the hour to decongest Shimla roads and revive the old charm of the city, he added.
The cyclists will cover 8 km in a unique evening ride of the city. The motive of this heritage ride is to promote among the citizens of Shimla a greener and healthier lifestyle.
'Green Shimla, Healthy Shimla' campaign has also been launched by the HASTPA which will focus on raising awareness about the benefits of cycling, General Secretary Akhil Puri said.
A special spectator point has been marked for the public on the ridge to witness the rally.