Colombo Cycling Club launches ‘Rent-a-bike’ initiative

The heavy deluge and gusty winds that evening could not dampen spirits at the launch of the Colombo Cycling Club, as the healthy initiative kick started at the Independence Square premises – cycling its way through the rain. Spearheading the project were the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development Authority along with Flora, the health brand of Unilever. The newly constructed bicycle renting booth along with 25 bicycles and equipment was officially launched by the Chief Guest, Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa

Fitness enthusiasts are now given the opportunity to rent bicycles for Rs. 100 per hour from the ‘Rent-a-Bike’ booth run by the Colombo Cycling Club. Set in tranquillity, the newly laid track encircles the park premises opposite the Sri Lanka Olympic House. In addition to promoting health and wellbeing among the public, the funds collected will be channelled to the ‘Api Wenuwen Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Unilever Chairman Amal Cabraal at the launch Api’ fund.

“We are living in exciting times where Colombo is rapidly developing into a buzzing cosmopolitan hub. We as citizens should cultivate healthy lifestyles to be able to effectively contribute to this development,” said Director Marketing,

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Unilever Sri Lanka, Asanga Ranasinghe. “We believe that taking small steps towards a healthy lifestyle will make a big difference,” he added.

Attired in a sports kit, the Defence Secretary took the inaugural bicycle ride around the track, as it was ceremonially handed over to the public; fittingly giving good exercise to the hordes of people who ran alongside his bicycle as well.

The Flora website and Facebook page, which serve the purpose of generating interest as well as providing health information and tips to the general public was also launched. Bike reservations can also be made online.

Flora made sure that no one present left without getting a Health Assessment Test done, and those who were found to have high cholesterol were asked to take the initiative and cycle around the beautiful track.

The Colombo Cycling Club will be managed by the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development Authority.