Paris Jr. High student, Sahil Prakash presented a bicycle awareness project to the Paris City Council Monday night. In an effort to make Paris a more bike-friendly town, Prakash spoke about Project Pedal On.
Prakash began, “This year my goal is to get more people on bikes. Project Pedal On is dedicated to increasing bicycle riding resources in Paris, so that more people can ride their bikes.
As we all know, bike riding is very beneficial. The main benefit is the health benefit. Obesity rates are very high in Texas, and riding a bike would definitely decrease the obesity rates.
Riding a bike is also good for the environment because it doesn’t pollute the air. It’s also very cheap to ride a bike because you don’t need fuel.
To educate citizens of Paris about bicycle riding and bicycle safety, I created bookmarks and brochures, which I’ve distributed at various local community events. A few months ago I partnered with Lamar Delta Medical society and we passed out over 100 helmets to kids at the Family Fun Center.”
He continued, “I can help with the education of bike lanes in the city and encourage people to ride them. I need help from the City Council to approve and utilize funds to complete this project, which would connect local schools with bike lanes. I’d like to see more bike lanes in the city so people can ride their bikes to school or work or to downtown or even to go shopping.
I’d like the City Council to consider a proclamation regarding a Bike to Work Day. I’d like it to be in the month of May because May is National Bike Month. It would show solidarity and commitment to bike riding.
I’ve created a facebook page called Project Pedal On and a website.”
Mayor Matt Frierson thanked Prakash for speaking, “Thank you for your continued interest in giving back. It’s well taken. Thank you.”