KABUL (Pajhwok): Experts have considered promoting cycling culture essential, saying the trend could help reduce air pollution and plays a significant role in the health and economy of families.
This comes at a time when the number of bicycle users in Kabul is increasing.
Cycling role in reducing air pollution in Kabul
According to a statement Dr. Mullah Zainulabiddin, policy secretary of the National Environmental Authority, in Kabul said Kabul, Kabul City with a population of more than six million people, is one of the cities that faced environmental pollution, and this problem worsened every year in the winter
According to him, in Kabul city and districts, along with industrial factories, bakeries, baths, brick kilns, etc., there are 689,193 fast-moving vehicles operating, which has caused environmental pollution.
During the gathering he talked about some steps taken for the reduction of environmental pollution.
Eng. Tofan Jabran, head of the air pollution control department, termed promoting cycling was a positive step in reducing air pollution.
He told Pajhwok Afghan News: “There are ongoing campaigns to popularize the culture of cycling in the country, which is both better for the health of our fellow citizens and has a positive impact on the environment, as bicycles do not generate dust or smoke.”
Cycling has physical, psychological advantages
Dr. Esmatulllah Sapand, a specialist of internal disease, said promoting the culture of cycling was very necessary.
Referring to the advantages of cycling, he said: “Cycling has physical, health, and mental benefits that can prevent heart attacks, obesity, cancer, and diabetes.”
He urged citizens to use bicycles often to travel from one area to another.
He said that using bicycles also plays a key role in reducing air pollution and traffic congestion in the city.
According to a study, humans should exercise for half an hour three days a week, but if this exercise is done by bicycle, it can prevent the development of cancer.
In a resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on March 15, 2022, on the integration of cycling into public transport systems for sustainable development, it was stated that cycling is a sustainable means of transport that has a positive impact on the climate.
Economic advantages of cycling
Economic Affairs Analyst Abdul Nasir Rashtia said that cycling, in addition to its other benefits, also has a positive impact on a family financial condition.
“Using a bicycle reduces transportation costs, because if a person buys a bicycle for the cost of two or three months of rent, she can use it for years, which greatly helps the economy of a person and family”.
Demand for cycles goes up in spring: Bicycle sellers
Humayun, a shopkeeper in Kabul, said that he has been running a bicycle shop for nearly two years and sold different types of Chinese and Japanese bicycles at different prices.
He said that their sales decreased in winter, but increased as the weather warms up.
Meanwhile, Adam Khan, another bicycle seller in Kabul, said that bicycles first come to the Kandahar market and then are sold in markets across the country.
He considered using bicycles useful, saying: “Whenever we visit the doctor, they recommend exercise and walking, and cycling is both exercise and good for health.”
He hoped that the culture of cycling will be further promoted among the people.
Cyclists shared different views
Abdul Haq, a resident of Kabul who worked as a watchman at a house, said he used his cycle for traveling daily because he is economically unsound.
Karimullah, a resident of Kabul, said he used cycle for the past seven years for traveling from one place to another.
He said: “A bicycle is good, it gets you out of traffic jams, it’s good for your health, and it can prevent air pollution. I use it for all purposes.”
Ahmadzai Jalali, another Kabul citizen who came to buy a sports bicycle, also said that cycling, in addition to being a daily activity, is also effective in the family economy.
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