Joy of cycling and beautiful trees
I WAS delighted to read about the unveiling by Khazanah Nasional Bhd. of the multi-million ringgit Taman Tugu project. As a person who loves the outdoors, I truly support this project.
I have been cycling in and around Putrajaya for many years now and have enjoyed seeing some of the beautiful trees there. I particularly love the tacoma tree which has very beautiful, pinkish-white flowers ( pic). We ought to incorporate this tree in Taman Tugu and plant as many as 150 of them in a row. When the trees are in full bloom, it will be an international attraction. Even the solitary tree in Putrajaya is a sight to behold when it blooms. If the planters or those in charge of landscaping had thought of growing 150 of them in one park or along the opposite banks of a narrow lake, how wonderful the place would be. I can imagine visitors flocking to Putrajaya and having a gala time taking photographs of the trees in full bloom between March and April.
My wife and I enjoy riding along the inner island of Putrajaya lake. I have also brought many friends, both locals and from overseas, and relatives here throughout the years. They all have good memories of the beautiful views around the parks in Putrajaya. However, due to the constant upgrading of the area, small lorries and the contractors’ cars are a nuisance in this otherwise most serene of routes. The tiled routes are damaged when the small lorries are driven on them, and they become bumpy and somewhat dangerous to cycle on. The authorities must do something to stop the lorry drivers from damaging the paths.
When I first started coming here with my bicycle about seven years ago, cycling as a pastime in Malaysia was just becoming popular. Cycling is a healthy pursuit. Once you get on a bike, a whole new world opens up. You can choose to cycle on a leisure bike at 12kph on Putrajaya’s beautiful paths or go at a blistering 40kph on a racing bike. There are others who like cycling on tough mountain trails on their mountain bikes. But whatever you decide, just go for it.
Learning to ride a bicycle is easy and can be done in just half-anhour. And who knows, when you visit other countries, you might have the opportunity go on bicycle sightseeing tours. Bike rentals are available in many cities throughout the world, including London, Paris, Sydney, Queenstown, Vancouver, Taipei, Copenhagen and Amsterdam. In some cities, as long as you return the bike to the next station within a specified time, there is no rental fee.
When you cycle consistently, your cardiovascular system will improve and become more efficient. You would also slow down the effects of aging on your body, especially the leg joints, as cycling is a non-impact sport.
But it is important that you cycle in safe places such as Putrajaya. In Singapore, the powers that be have started to build a highway from the north straight to the south of the island and a bicycle highway is integrated into the system.
I would say that once we make the decision to take up cycling, especially those who are in their mid-40s onwards, we can change our lifestyles without putting in too much effort. In the parks around Putrajaya, we can see couples in their 60s and 70s cycling together. You can see more things and go much further on a bicycle than if you were just walking in the park. Consistency in cycling will result in a healthy, fit and strong body and mind. Start today.
And to the Putrajaya park authorities, plant the beautiful trees in a row in one park and at the narrow parts along both sides of the banks. It is not too late. If the trees are planted now, we will be able to enjoy their blooms in five to seven years’ time.
Malaysia masih BOLEH! VINCENT CHOO Kuala Lumpur