The hindu 29.09.2010
Now, explore Mysore on a bicycle
Shankar Bennur
MYSORE: With a host of tourist attractions and heritage spots situated within a 20-km radius of Mysore city, the authorities here have decided to launch “cycle tourism” for the first time. Bicycles, including the geared, sports and recreational kinds, will be made available for tourists during Dasara (October 8 to 18) and may be extended for a few more days as tourists continue to pour in during the festival holidays. “We shall go ahead with the plan of introducing cycles for tourists this Dasara on a temporary basis,” said Mysore City Corporation Commissioner K.S. Raykar.Sources said a few of India's leading cycle manufacturers have shown interest in supplying the cycles to promote cycle tourism.
A tourist who hires a cycle at one location in Mysore city need not return it at the same location after the tour. He/she can deposit the cycle at the nearest hiring point. The details of cycle rentals will be announced soon, they said.
Representatives from the tourism industry here feel that cycles are sure to be a hit as Mysore is still considered to be a cyclist-friendly place, although vehicular traffic has gone up in the recent years.
Surely, the international tourists will lap up the offer, they feel.
