Cycling can ease traffic, boost health, turn commutes into exercise – EU envoy …as GT bicycle tour highlights push for cleaner, greener city

…as GT bicycle tour highlights push for cleaner, greener city

The fourth European Union (EU) Bicycle Tour of Georgetown brought cyclists and other non-motorised road users together on Sunday for an early-morning ride through the capital, with calls for greater responsibility in keeping the city clean and orderly. The tour commenced shortly after 06:00h from the Vlissengen Road entrance of the Botanical Gardens, with participants using bicycles, roller skates and foot scooters. Among those taking part were Local Government and Regional Development Minister Priya Manickchand, Tourism Minister Susan Rodrigues, EU Ambassador to Guyana Luca Pierantoni, members of the Guyana Cycling Federation and the City Constabulary. In brief remarks, Pierantoni said cycling can help ease traffic, promote healthier lifestyles and provide an opportunity for people to spend time outdoors, including combining exercise with their daily commute. Now in its fourth edition, the EU Bicycle Tour is aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles, sustainable mobility and environmentally friendly transportation, while allowing participants to experience Georgetown from a different perspective. Manickchand, who joined Pierantoni and Rodrigues for the tour, said seeing the city and its surroundings up close offered a different perspective on the work still required to improve Georgetown. She acknowledged that more work is needed but said the city is not far from achieving a clean and orderly environment. According to the Minister, maintaining such a standard requires the collective effort of residents, businesses, visitors and officers responsible for managing the city. She said responsibility must be encouraged, while rules must also be enforced where necessary, stressing that everyone has a role to play in keeping Georgetown clean, orderly and welcoming.