President orders nation to buy bicycles

The president of central Asian republic Turkmenistan has reportedly ordered the country’s five million citizens to buy bicycles ahead of a ‘national cycling day’.

President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, who is widely criticised by human rights groups, last month ‘won’ a cycling race near the country’s capital city Ashgabat and has also recently approved a four-year programme to develop cycling.

The Independent reports that Berdimuhamedow has ordered his Government officials and students to take part in long bike rides.

"This campaign will help to boost health, ensure environmental security and promote cycling," Berdimuhamedow is quoted as saying.

The ride is set to take place on September 1st.

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