Bicycle lanes are the infrastructure supplement to roads that aid commuters on non-polluting two-wheelers to beat the heavy traffic on roads while staying safe.
In Bangalore, the city that experiences one of the worst traffic congestions in the world, the BBMP and the Directorate of Urban Land Transport(DULT), have constructed over 35 km of bicycle lanes to connect the central business district (CBD) with the Outer Ring Road (ORR). Several infrastructure projects are also currently underway to build more bicycle lanes across the country. Along with these, pop-up cycle lanes being implemented across metropolitan cities have also provided immediate relief to resident cyclists.
India Cycles4Change
Moreover, Cycles4Change Challenge is an initiative of the Smart Cities Mission by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India, to encourage cities across India to implement the micro-mobility infrastructure. The pandemic changed the perspective of every individual in the world. An increased awareness to be hygienic, to maintain good physical health, and to be more sensitive towards one’s individual carbon footprint, translated into a majority of Indians switching to bicycles for their daily commute.
The smart city of Bengaluru was selected as one of the Top 25 cities across the country to have successfully implemented a change as a part of the India Cycles4Change Challenge.
While it’s necessary to bring reforms to make Indian streets more cycle-friendly, it’s also important to monitor the changes that were brought about by previous reforms. One such case is what brings to light, the jarring truth about the bicycle lanes of Jayanagar.
Bye-cycle lanes of Jayanagar
Bangalore – Jayanagar’s civil administration made exemplary strides in encouraging green commuting, by constructing 40km of bicycle lanes, recently. Being a residential area within a school district, it was the perfect solution to the mesh network of roads.
To ensure a smoother flow of bicycle traffic, the BBMP undertook measures like clearing the carriageway from garbage and unauthorized parking, enforced strict no-parking zones and put up appropriate road signage to alert commuters.
However, due to a lack of awareness of such facilities, their implications and even intermittent usage of the bicycle lanes by the residents of the city, the lanes quickly transformed into stretches of parking bays for motor vehicles despite the policies put in place by the government.
It’s time to reclaim our lanes!
As the leading PBS operator whose mission is to reduce traffic congestion and build an easier commuting infrastructure for all, we condemn this blatant disregard of a system that was a harbinger of change.
The existing bicycle lanes in Bangalore city have actively been helping commuters stay safe on the roads while cutting down on their individual carbon emissions. With bicycle lanes being supported by the government and since it’s our personal responsibility and need-of-the-hour to help save the planet breathe, it’s time we took a stand.
It’s time we reclaim the lanes that fossil-fuel vehicles, have taken over. With a rising demand for bicycle lanes due to increased usage, we can help curb the motorists from parking on them and helping the bicycles lanes to serve their one-true purpose – to help pedal the change!