Dutch Dy PM, Philips CEO cycle for clean Bangalore

Bangalore’s high-profile Philips CEO Bob Hoekstra’s love for cycling is well known in IT circles here. But today, at the famous Cu...

Bangalore’s high-profile Philips CEO Bob Hoekstra’s love for cycling is well known in IT circles here. But today, at the famous Cubbon Park, he managed to get a politician to pedal along with him—Netherlands Deputy PM I J Brinkhorst—to spread the conservation message.

Later, Brinkhorst, also Minister for Economic Affairs, called upon Indians to cycle to their offices to reduce pollution and stay fit. He added that if elected representatives and officials set an example, the people will follow.

‘‘It will also help reduce traffic,’’ he said.

Hoekstra, who uses a battery-operated car, said that the objective of the mission was to spread the conservation message and the benefits of cycling.

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‘‘Traffic is a big problem in Bangalore. It is much safer to cycle on these streets. It will be a great contribution to the city’s environment and will help ease traffic decongestion,’’ he added.

Dutch Ambassador in India, Eric Niche also followed the duo on his cycle. ‘‘It is common for Dutch to bicycle to work places. We have at least three bicycles. One each for the office, sports and nightlife,’’ he said. Nearly 40 people from the Netherlands are in the city on a mission to spread the message of environment conservation.