In 2018 3rd June was declared as the ‘World Bicycle Day’, by the United Nations. This was done to emphasize bicycling as high-priority. Bicycles are the most viable and imperishable modes of traveling. Bicycling is one of the key initiatives which should be taken when talking about sustainability.
Census 2011 reveals that about 35% of the vehicular trips in India are short trips (less than 5 km). If bicycling gets turned into primary mode of transport, it would help ease congestion, reduce fuel consumption & carbon emission and essentially
promote healthy lifestyle and environment-friendly practices. Thus we need to compel people to readily adopt bicycling. This shift can be brought by public awareness and encouraging recreational cycling and the revival of conduction of events like Raahgiri and Cyclothons. This will help elevate the perception of cycling, and promote a cycling culture in cities. Having said that, I’m not implying that people in India don’t favor bicycles, but there is a lack of favorable infrastructure to support the use of the same.
According to the National Family Housing Survey-5, 55% of Indian households
own a cycle. So why don’t we just hop on the two-wheels, jaunt through the streets and connect with our city. As anticipated, the streets and commutes would become so lively and happening. But, here comes the thing. Promoting bicycling amongst the citizens isn’t enough, as awareness alone can’t be the only pull factor. There needs to be adequate supporting infrastructure as well. Putting up dedicated lanes, parking facilities (especially at transit stations), and traffic signs would enhance the user experience. In fact overall urban street design should incorporate bicycling so that bicycles can sustain in our cities. “NOTHING COMPARES TO THE SIMPLE PLEASURE OF RIDING A BIKE”
-John F. Kennedy
