By Mei Kuan
Some 37 students and educators of the Adventure Tourism Programme from the Community Colleges of Sungai Siput Main Branch and Lenggong Branch experienced cycling tourism firsthand in Ipoh today via an initiative of Cycledios, a homegrown brand offering smart bike rentals.
Held with strict adherence to the health and safety standard operating procedures, the participants were flagged off in groups from the Cycledios kiosk at D.R. Seenivasagam Recreational Park after a warm-up session.
Led by the attentive guides of Cycledios who were ever-ready to assist, the students got the opportunity to discover multiple hidden gems inaccessible by automotive roads such as beneath the Sultan Idris Shah Bridge and the Sleeping Dragon Tree along the Kinta River.
The 5km cycling route was complete with commentary by the friendly guides.
“We would like to expose our students of the Adventure Tourism Programme in different semesters to the latest tourism product called cycling tourism. It is where one moves from one spot to another using a bicycle to explore tourism products firsthand,” Mohamad Fared bin Mohd Arshad, Head of the Adventure Tourism Programme of Community College of Sungai Siput shared with Ipoh Echo.
Present was Zulkifli bin Kamarudin, Director of Community College of Sungai Siput.
The educational morning concluded with cool-down exercises and a sharing session.
“Among our objectives are to relive the nostalgic cycling memories and bridge family gaps,” Camees Foong, the Management General Manager of Cycledios who is also one of its founders, explained.
The Ipoh homegrown brand has currently expanded with 16 stations throughout Malaysia including one in Labuan.
Regarding bicycle touring, Camees observed that the response has been very encouraging presently as people focus on a healthy lifestyle and avoid crowded settings: “Plus, cycling is a family-oriented activity with social distancing. One can also beat traffic congestion.”
According to her, the bicycles are generally suitable for those from 3 to 80 years old. Rickshaws are also available to accommodate those who cannot pedal.
Guests can opt to cycle on their own or engage a tour guide. In addition, its routes can be tailored to the requests of customers.
“When tourists choose this alternative, it enables the many tour guides who lost their jobs during the pandemic to earn a living,” she added.
The kiosk at the park operates from 8am till 7pm on weekends and 3pm till 7pm on weekdays (morning sessions subject to demand). Do take note that it will be closed every Tuesday from December onwards.
Currently, it has a capacity of 50 people at a time. Walk-ins and advance bookings are accepted.
To learn more, visit the Cycledios website and Facebook page.
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