COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka is planning on promoting cycling to work, in order to minimize traffic congestion in Colombo and also to save money on fuel to a certain extent.

Environment Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said his ministry is preparing to take steps to promote the use of bicycles to reduce air pollution and many other factors.

Accordingly, a Cabinet paper has already been prepared, the Minister said.

Amaraweera said the government incurs a cost of Rs. 103.56 per kilometer when a vehicle enters Colombo during traffic congestion, and by promoting cycling to work that cost can be converted to a profit.

Steps will be taken to provide an eco-friendly approach to the promotion of cycling due to its ability to reduce air pollution, prevent wastage.

It has also been decided to set aside a lane on each road for cyclists when developing roads and to introduce a regulatory program to provide certain promotional benefits to cyclists.

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