Onthel Community Preserves Old Bicycle Existence

Pariaman, (Antaranews Sumbar) - The Ancient Onthel Community of Kinali Sub-district, West Pasaman District, West Sumatra, preserves the existence of an old bicycle output of 1945 by introducing it to the young generation.

"We deliberately preserve the existence of onthel bikes which aims to introduce past transportation to young generation at this time. It is in order to make them know the history of nation," Chairman of Ancient Onthel Community of Kinali, Jasram (57) stated in Pariaman.

He said that in addition to introduce and preserve the existence of onthel bikes, the activity also aims to ward off the younger generation from the danger of promiscuity that leads to drugs, gambling, liquor, wild racing and so forth.

By reinventing the old cycling culture, young people are expected to be free from deviant behavior.

Then, the activities of preserving the old bicycle is also one of the efforts to get used environmentally friendly transportation without pollution as well as a sport that is beneficial to health.

"We are trying to invite people to be more happy to ride, because right now, people use a motorcycle everywhere they go, even when the distance is close," he explained.

Besides, the ancient onthel community is also engaged in the social field such as helping the economically weak community for medical treatment including the religious side.

Ancient Onthel Community advisory council of Kinali Sub-district, West Pasaman District, Sugiarto said the activity was deliberately centered in Pariaman with the aim of exercise as well as travel.

His side explained by carrying out these activities in tourist attractions, it will also help the promotion of regional tourism including efforts to introduce a onthel bikes to the wider community.

"This activity does not only follow by community from West Pasaman District, but also followed by bicycle community from Pariaman and Padang. It is estimated to reach 170 people," he pointed out.

He hopes that with the community's initiative to revive the cycling culture, the government can support it by supporting the improvement of road infrastructure side of the region, especially in Kinali Sub-district.

"We just need local government to help to improve the existing roads in Kinali, because in addition to environmentally, friendly cycling also save costs," he added. (cha)