Delhi Chief Minister rides bicycle on car-free day

India's capital New Delhi's Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal led a cycle rally here on the capital's first car-free day on Thursday and said safety while travelling on the city roads needs to be ensured.

"Travelling on Delhi's roads needs to be made safe. A diabetic like me benefits from cycling but there is too much congestion and pollution," Kejriwal said at 17th century Red Fort, shortly before the launch of the rally.

Kejriwal was joined by about 400 cyclists, including cabinet ministers. He sported a white T-shirt with a logo that read car-free day and was mobbed by photographers at the venue.

Deputy Chief Minster Manish Sisodia and Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra followed him.

The rally held between the Red Fort in Old Delhi and India Gate, a World War I monument.

He said there was too much congestion on Delhi roads that leads to pollution in the city and that people need to step forward to improve the condition.

Some 84 lakh vehicles ply in Delhi every day, contributing to its chaotic traffic and worsening quality of air.

Cyclist Puneet, who is in his 40s, lauded the government's efforts and urged it to hold the rally on Sundays.

Courtesy : Indo-Asian News Service