TAIPEI, Taiwan – The highest ranking government official opened on March 18 the 2009 Taipei International Cycle Show. President Ma Ying-Jeou (photo), who is an avid cyclist, was leading the Opening Ceremony during which he said that: ‘The bike industry is primed for stardom.’

He said: “The world is currently faced with shortages of energy and raw materials, and Taiwan, which imports all of its energy resources, faces even bigger challenges. Developing a low-consumption knowledge-based economy is the only way for Taiwan to succeed on the fiercely competitive international market. From an energy, environmental and fitness point of view, the bicycle industry is primed for stardom. The bicycle industry is entering a phase of unprecedented promise and potential.”
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In many way, Singapore can be an ideal place to develop a great bicycle related industry. Shimano, the Intel of bicycle industry is already based in Singapore since 1973.

“They can own a car and drive to work, but they must cycle when travelling to do their work,” South Jakarta city spokesman Ahmad Sotar said.
“This is compulsory. Cycling will not only reduce pollution and global warming, but also promote good health,” he added.
“The officials can also get to know their residents better since now they can cycle through the narrow alleyways to reach their homes. They can’t do so if they drive,” Sotar said.

Sotar said the officials do not have to cycle to attend to emergency calls.
“But it is no excuse to say they are too old and sick to cycle. That means they are also too old and sick to perform their duties and should therefore be replaced,” he said.
“We will ask the residents to be our eyes and ears and tell us if the officials cycle or drive,” Sotar said.

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