https://www.switchon.org.in/blogs/kolkata-needs-to-bring-back-cycles
Cycling restrictions in Kolkata were imposed on about 36 streets in the year 2008 by the Kolkata Police which had been increased to 174 roads in 2013 and later due to widespread protests Kolkata Police this had been reduced to 62 road restrictions and at present, these restrictions continue to exists in 62 major roads impacting the livelihoods of thousands who use cycling as the only means of transport.
Thinking beyond cars: Incorporation of cycle lanes
Cycles are not just a safe mode of transport but environmentally very sustainable with zero pollution and emissions and show positive impacts on the rider’s health and also helps clean up the city’s air. However, the current policies in the city are hostile towards cycles and NMTs. This has allowed more cars to come on our roads causing more problems like vehicular pollution, traffic congestion, and a higher number of road fatalities. Taking action ahead of Bengal elections 2021, Bengal, an initiative of SwitchON Foundation to generate awareness on clean air in the State of Bengal, has been conducting several innovative activities across the state that necessitates the need for safe cycling in the city by demanding dedicated cycle lanes. The push for increased adoption of cycles is not new. As metropolitan cities are choking with heavy vehicular pollutants making it unhealthy for hundreds and thousands of city dwellers, large-scale adoption of cycles and non-motorized transport creates a new opportunity for a post-COVID-19 green recovery.
Vinay Jaju of SwitchON Foundation said “Our studies have shown that Kolkata Police’s restriction on bicycles have no grounds any more. Kolkata cycle restrictions need to go, infact cycles need to be the center of Kolkata’s mobility plan as they are a clean, sustainable, economical, efficient and healthy way to travel. Kolkata must embrace cycles like all megacities in the world, promote it and build safe cycle infrastructure.”
For more details you can click on the link given above.
#bringcyclesback