Mountain biking can boost Sikkim adventure tourism

 

GANGTOK: Lok Sabha MP Indra Hang Subba has extended his greetings on the occasion of World Bicycle Day to all the MTB (mountain biking) and road biking enthusiasts of Sikkim.
“Cycling may not be a viable mode of transportation but mountain trial and road biking is an excellent mode of exercise and fitness. Recent years have seen surge in mountain trial and road biking in Sikkim, especially in urban areas. This is a good sign that our State and its youngsters are moving towards wellness,” said the MP in his greetings on Thursday.
June 3 is celebrated as World Bicycle Day annually and is an UN-designated day. The day is to remind people about the health benefits for all age groups and that increased bicycle use means lower greenhouse gas emissions.
As compared to plains, cycling is not a transport mode in the hilly terrain like Sikkim. However, mountain biking has gradually emerged as a means to exercise in Sikkim and can be promoted as adventure tourism, a potential which the MP notes.
“I am also optimistic that riding is going to be another big event for tourism after paragliding in Sikkim. Adventure tourism is yet to be fully explored by tourism stakeholders of our State. Conventional tourism may be easy but adventure tourism is exciting and more profitable. It’s time we must move ahead with an optimistic vision to make our State adventure tourism hub. We must improve our capability to cater adventure enthusiasts from all over the world,” said Indra Hang.
The MP shared about a five-day adventure tourism meet held at Pelling, West Sikkim in December 2020 by the Pelling Tourism Development Association in collaboration with Tourism department and aided by Chief Minister P.S. Golay.
“The meet was one of its kind held for the first time in Sikkim. It was a huge success. Success of such adventure meet shows potential of our State and the scope of adventure sports in our State,” said Indra Hang.
“Cycling, therefore, is something more especially for Sikkim. It’s clean and affordable mode of transportation in plains and a profitable event of adventure tourism for Sikkim. It’s our future,” said the MP.