Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal rode bicycle from Red Fort to Bhagwan Das Marg to mark the Car-Free Day.
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today led a cycle rally to mark Delhi's first ever 'Car-Free Day' and over 100 cyclists took part in the event that aims to encourage people to use public transport.
Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, other cabinet ministers, chief secretary and bureaucrats also participated in the rally.
Chief Minister Kejriwal rode a bicycle from the Red Fort to Bhagwan Das Marg and appealed to participants to make bicycle-riding a habit.
"People should leave their vehicles and use public transport. Since pollution is increasing in Delhi, there is a need to run cycle which is also good for health," said Mr Kejriwal.
"Let's all take this initiative for a greener environment and even for diabetics like me it's great for the health," he said, adding that the concept was proposed by State Transport Minister Gopal Rai.
"On the day of Vijaya Dashmi we have to kill the Ravana of pollution," Tourism Minister, Kapil Mishra told NDTV.
Asked how it will be taken beyond a photo op, he said it will be a challenge "but well begun is half done and we are determined to make it a permanent practice".
It's a fun, recreational exercise but how safe NDTV asked participants.
"If the government can provide more safety mechanism and separate lanes then people will be happy to join in," said 27-year-old Rahul.
On whether he would consider travelling to office on a bicycle, he said, "It will be a challenge in today's world."
Last month, Gurgaon had taken up the similar initiative on September 22.
According to the state pollution board, the pollution level had declined from16-20 per cent on that day, but went back to its typically high levels the following day.