Bicycle enthusiasts in the cities have been left with just alleys and parks, with most of the roads being out of bounds due to lack of bicycle tracks and on account of heavy traffic. There is also an absence of designated parking space
Thanks to the superficial policies of the Union and the State Governments, the commitment to a green city that gives priority to eco-friendly modes of transportation, passes through a cycle of respect and disdain for the environment. Whenever the Government announces bicycle tracks and rent-a-bike options, a firm respect and resolve for the environment is evident. But when the same resolve is not implemented and enforced, culminating in serious consequences, the Government’s disdain and disregard for the environment is reflected. In a way, the environmental initiatives undertaken then seem like an eyewash.
The cycling community in the capital was left shocked by the accident involving environmentalist Sunita Narain, when she was cycling in Delhi last weekend. Ms Narain has been a vocal supporter of people’s right to walk and cycle on the roads of urban India, and it is unfortunate that one of the strongest proponents of non-motorised transport had to be a victim in an accident of this kind.
If cycling in the national capital is fraught with problems, how can the city set an example to the rest of the countryIJ It’s an embarrassing question. Poor infrastructure and rent-a-bike stations that do not have functional and properly maintained cycles, means that one is perhaps better off taking the motorised means of transport.
According to official estimates, Delhi has 100km of cycling tracks, but one would be hard-pressed to find a well-maintained track with no hurdles and full continuity. Given that there are numerous cycling clubs in the city, with each having enthusiastic members, the apathy of the authorities towards citizens who are in favour of cycling, is difficult to understand.
This indifference is further made more complicated when the Government preaches but practises selectively. For instance, the initiative by Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Veerappa Moily, who took a Metro ride one day to work, may seem perfectly in place — even though it more symbolic than anything else. Should all citizens decide to save fuel and use non-motorised means, the Government is not equipped to ensure their safety.
Bicycle enthusiasts in the cities have been left with just alleys and parks, with most of the roads being out of bounds due to lack of bicycle tracks and on account of heavy traffic. Another woe faced by most cyclists is the absence of designated parking space. With the cycles being prone to easy theft, even the most motivated users are left with no option but to shelve the idea of cycling to work or errands.
Cities such as Delhi are planned, built and improvised with vehicular traffic as the focus. Sadly, pedestrians and non-motorised means of transport have a rather weak representation. Take, for instance, the concept of signal-free ring road with multiple flyovers, which has no facilities for cyclists and pedestrians.
The same is true with many other State capitals. At a time when oil prices and household budgets are soaring, the common man’s dependence on the expensive personal transport is not coming down; it’s increasing. The Government should have put in place an integrated plan that initiates strategies to augment, modernise, and scale up options of non-motorised transport, without compromising on the comfort and safety of the people.
While India is yet to wake up to the concept of being a cycle-friendly country, globally many countries have quietly introduced a revolution and made their cities cycle-friendly. For instance, Trondheim, in Norway, is considered the world’s most cycle-friendly city, closely followed by Beijing, China. Trondheim has factored cycling as a major part of city transport plans, and even provided bicycle lifts at steep gradients in order to take the stress out of cycling.
Planning methods and policies that have priority for non-motorised modes of travel are crucial for India. These policies enable communities to be proactive in addressing issues and providing safe environments for cycling, and as a part of this children can be the best ambassadors of change.
The Government can initiate a ‘safe routes to school’ programme designed to make it safer for children to bike and walk to school. Besides this, the authorities can also design a ‘right of way’ road use mechanism that allows cyclists to have signal-free movement and have priority access to congested sectors of city.
In addition, the civic agencies can incorporate cycling tracks whenever sidewalks and pavements are up for renovation. This will help restore confidence of the citizens in a transportation system that supports bicycling, which in turn would enhance health, reduce traffic congestion, promote economic vitality and improve quality of living for the people of this country.