To promote environment conservation
Adam Ostaszewski, who hails from New York, reached Manikganj on Saturday after touring India on his bicycle to inspire people to take up cycling and promote environment conservation.
This 35-year-old cyclist embarked on his journey from San Francisco where he took a flight to Bengaluru. Having been to Gokarna, Goa, Pune, Junnar, Nasik, Mumbai and Jaipur, Adam reached Manikganj on Saturday.
"I have travelled to as many as 40 countries, but never by a bicycle until this time. I was inspired by a few tourists in South America who went on long-distance trips on bicycles,” said Adam.
“This is a cleaner way to travel; it's sustainable, healthy and there are no carbon footprints. And I decided to come to India and Bangladesh - I have always wanted to, and explore the country on my bike. My main agenda is to encourage people to take up cycling," said Adam.
Adam, however, is surprised to see the traffic and pollution in Bangladesh.
"I feel that Bangladesh and India do not have good infrastructure for cyclists. Even if people want to commute by bicycle every day, they will have to brave speeding motorists, and truck drivers trying to hog all the space. The roads here are covered with potholes,” Adam said.
“There are no separate bicycle lanes. And gosh! The traffic and pollution here are insane. I have actually become three shades darker because of the smoke that comes out from the vehicles! I have to attend my sister's wedding in July and I hope they recognise me when I return to New York (laughs)."
"I hope that the government here takes measures to encourage people to take up a clean mode of transportation, which I feel, is a bicycle. Cycling is also a healthy way to stay in shape and it doesn't even cost much," he added.
He said he will visit Cox's Bazar to see the Rohingya people who took shelter there. He will try to bring financial support from his countrymen to help them.
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