Joggers’ Park no longer offers joy of riding bicycles

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, May 22

Joggers’ Park no longer offers the joy of pedaling one’s way to good health.

The Municipal Corporation of Bathinda seems to be uninterested in maintaining bicycles stationed at the park.

The MCB used to charge Rs 200 a month from visitors for 30-minute daily cycling.

Initially, the service drew a good response, but it gradually came to a halt with the civic body failing to upkeep the bicycles, which are lying locked these days.

Moreover, there are now only seven cycles left at the park instead of 10. With the service no long available, the MCB authorities have also relieved the employee working at the cycle counter.

Visitors have criticised the civic body for halting the cycle service at Joggers’ Park.

Yadwinder Singh (55), a resident of Model Town Phase-2, said, “Earlier, I used to do cycling in the park for almost half an hour. But, ever since the cycle service has been discontinued, I have stopped visiting the park on regular basis.”

Mohit Garg (14), a resident of Panchvati Nagar, said, “I found it exciting to ride a cycle in the park, as I didn’t have one at home.”

Lalit Jindal (42), a resident of Hazura Kapura Colony, said, “The MCB should resume the service as a majority of parents don’t allow their children to ride cycle on busy roads.”

Surprisingly, Mayor Balwant Rai Nath expressed his helplessness stating, “Many a time, I have told officials to get the cycles repaired and restart the service, but in vain. I will write to the MC Commissioner now to resume the service.”