Putrajaya-The Cycling Capital Of The World By Choice

When i restarted cycling or re-cycled in 2006, i was toying with the idea of making Putrajaya as the cycling capaital of the world by choice.
Why by choice?
Well,we know that there are other cities and countries that has more cyclists like Beijing and Holland.
But they do not have a choice.
Whereas in Putrajaya, we a choice.
In fact we have a variety of choices.

If that is so, why must cycling be made the main choice?

If we look at the layout of Putrajaya, the accomodations/houses are placed around their office in a circular motion.
It is as if their houses are behind their work place.
They are living within a radius that is less than 5 km.
I would envisage that it will not be a problem to cycle to their work place.

The town planners of Putrajaya must have this in mind when they drew up the master plan then.
This can be attested to the many bike racks that is scattered all over the cycling routes around the lakes in Putrajaya.
As a matter of fact, the cycling racks are almost new by virtue that they have been under used!

The pedestrian/cyclists tracks are well paved and well maintained 7 days a week.
They are also well lined by blooming flowering plants.

If they improve it further, the cycling routes will be fully shaded by bushy trees and thus providing cover from the direct sunlight.

Maybe for starters, the Chief Secretary, the No. 1 Government Servant can issue a directive to encourage a Public Transport Day in Putrajaya, where the civil servants are encouraged either to use Public transport or another alternative-Non Motorised Transport i.e. bicycle.

Once the idea that cycling is convenient and a joy, then it will be a matter of time that the civil servants will cycle everyday to office.

Obviously, not many will change their lifestyle overnight.
But i am apprehensive that if a concerted and well planned efforts are undertaken to encourage a healthy lifestyle, it will only be a matter of time when, the residents of Putrajaya will be proud to announce to the world that, indeed, they have made their Choice of making Putrajaya The Cycling Capital of the World By Choice!!!

Azudin O Fuad