Campaign sets a good example

Lately the Ministry of Transport has started a campaign to encourage officials to use bicycles rather than cars. It is a green way for officials to commute and will save the cost of official cars. However, how to promote such a worthwhile campaign among more ministries and officials needs thinking about, says an article in Beijing Times. Excerpt:

A few days ago, a photo of a father riding a bicycle to take his daughter to school was widely viewed on the Internet.

The man is a deputy mayor of Wuhu city, Anhui province.

Such behavior was widely praised as it is in sharp contrast to those officials who use official cars for private use.

The official cycling campaign of the Ministry of Transport will help increase the use of bicycles, which are a green form of transport. Such a campaign promotes a low-carbon lifestyle.

Although some people may consider such a campaign is just for show, it is harmless and can persuade others to forgo their cars and choose more environmentally friendly ways of traveling. Certainly, such a campaign should be carried out among more officials.

Only when more officials join the project can it become a long-term practice.

The officials should set an example to encourage low-carbon transport for ordinary people. And the government should provide a better environment in the city, such as dedicated bicycle lanes, to encourage more people to pedal the metal rather than put the pedal to the metal.

(China Daily 06/19/2012 page9)