An elderly man living in Turkey’s central Konya province known for his compassion for environmental cleanliness and stray animals has been riding a bicycle almost every day for 71 years.
Despite his advanced age, Eyüp Nizam, 80, travels about 20 kilometers (12 miles) a day on his bicycle and advises young people to pedal for a healthier life. He lives in the Sarayönü district of Konya and uses the bicycle as his daily transportation. Also, during his free time, Nizam goes for walks, feeds stray animals, treats sick or injured animals, and collects the garbage he finds.
Nizam said that cycling is a part of his daily life and generally facilitates his life. “I've used my bike since I was 9 years old. I go to my farms, the market and do other stuff with my bicycle. When I was young, I rode 70-80 kilometers a day. Now, I am trying to do 15-18 kilometers every day. It means both transportation and a workout for me,” he said. Noting that he owes his good health to cycling, Nizam said that his bicycle allows him to reach everywhere quickly and makes him feel more vigorous.
The active man noted that he truly cares about the environment and stray animals as well. “For example, while I'm traveling on my bike, I can't simply pass by when I see garbage around, it's my natural habit to stop. And sometimes I also encounter stray animals. Even if I afford to buy meat for them, I buy bread and feed the animals anyway. There are also injured stray animals. When I see them, I bring them home and take care of them. Currently, there are three dogs in my house that I'm taking care of right now,” he said.
