Release of TERI's report: 'Pedalling towards a greener India: A report on promoting cycling in the country'

The Government should waive taxes on cycles that cost less than Rs 5,000 to promote cycle ownership in the country, says a new study. The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) in association with the All India Cycle Manufacturers Association launched the report, 'Pedalling towards a Greener India: A report on promoting Cycling in the country' at an event in New Delhi on 26 August 2014. It is a detailed study on cycling and the cycle industry in India. The far-reaching recommendations to promote cycling in both urban and rural India include:

• Initiating a technology support scheme: Cycle Industry Upgradation Fund Scheme (CUFS) should be introduced to provide support to the bicycle industry
• Ensuring provision and maintenance of cycling infrastructure in cities
• Enhancing the export competiveness of the cycle industry

Dr Harsh Vardhan, Hon'ble Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, said: "TERI's report could prove to be a blessing in disguise for the future of the health of the nation. Physical activity is a must, and promoting cycling should become a huge movement. We need to ensure that no single person should be deprived of it. "Health For All" should become a reality now."

Mr Pankaj Munjal, Co-Chairman and MD, HERO Cycles and Member, AICMA, said: "Cycles are not merely a means of commuting, but also a tool for empowerment and an economic opportunity for rural India. India can prosper only if its poorest of the poor are linked to the larger economic system."