Call to save fuel, earth and health

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Raising the motto ‘Save fuel, save earth and save health’, C D Francis, a lineman with KSEB, completed his 657-km journey on cycle across the state here on Thursday. The trip was organised by the Energy Conservation Society (ECS). The cycle rally was flagged off from Kasargod on September 16 and concluded at the Institution of Engineers Hall in the city.  ‘’I embarked on this trip as a protest against pollution caused by motor vehicles and to raise awareness on the importance of cycling in staying healthy,’’ Francis said. Six years ago, a fall from a lamp post during work damaged his spine and doctors suggested he take up cycling to regain his health. ‘’I started cycling as an exercise. Now, I urge all my relatives to take up cycling as it energises our body and soul,” he said. On this trip, Francis covered Kasargod, Mahe, Kannur, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Alappuzha, Kollam and finally, Thiruvananthapuram. He had quite a few wonderful experiences on this trip. From Kasargod to Mahe, he was accompanied by 1,286 school students on bicycles. Supporting his mission, 30 Air Force men accompanied him from Thrissur to Kochi.  Students from Lakshmi Bai National College of Physical Education (LNCPE) joined Francis in Thiruvananthapuram. Backing his mission, Faisal Ibrahim, a bakery merchant, rode with him on the 157 km from Alappuzha to Thiruvananthapuram. Francis cycled 35 hours and 56 minutes to complete the north-south trip. ‘’The condition of the roads in Northern Kerala is very pathetic. The innumerable potholes made my journey difficult. Most of the roads are shattered following the rainy season. The road in front of the Kannur Central Jail is the worst stretch,” he said.  Colleagues at KSEB’s Kechery office in Thrissur - home district to Francis - and his wife Silgy Francis assist him in propagating the message of energy efficiency. Francis made the north-south trip on a British-make  ‘World Tour Bike’ which is capable of negotiating tough terrains, including mountains. The bicycle is rigged with a compass and speedometer.