United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson rode a made-in-India Hero Cycles bike at the launch of a new cycling and walking drive as a part of the government's anti-obesity strategy to combat COVID-19.
As he launched the GBP 2-billion drive on Tuesday, Prime Minister Johnson rode a Hero Viking Pro bike to Canalside Heritage Centre at Beeston in Nottingham, central England.
The Viking Pro bike is part of India's Hero Motors Company owned Insync brand, designed in Manchester and made in India by parent company Hero Cycles. Hero Cycles took over the brands Viking, Riddick and Ryedale and redesigned the range under the brand name Insync.
The company said its Insync range consists of 75 bikes and is the first to be designed at Hero Cycles Global Design Centre (HGD) in Manchester.
"Insync is delighted that the Prime Minister rode one of our Viking bikes after announcing what will be a landmark moment for cycling in the UK," said Pankaj M. Munjal, chairman and managing director of Hero Motors Company.
A known cycling enthusiast, the 56-year-old Johnson unveiled plans for thousands of miles of new protected bike lanes, cycle training for everyone and bikes available on prescription as part of a new fitness strategy.
"From helping people get fit and healthy and lowering their risk of illness, to improving air quality and cutting congestion, cycling and walking have a huge role to play in tackling some of the biggest health and environmental challenges that we face," said Johnson, who himself recovered from COVID-19.
"But to build a healthier, more active nation, we need the right infrastructure, training and support in place to give people the confidence to travel on two wheels. That's why now is the time to shift gears and press ahead with our biggest and boldest plans yet to boost active travel — so that everyone can feel the transformative benefits of cycling," he added.