3rd June 2023, Mumbai: The sun’s beams on the city streets are frequently welcomed by bike enthusiasts who get up early. According to Gaurav Wadhwa, founder of Delhi Cyclists, “We plan our bicycle trips during the early morning hours since the traffic hits the road after that and it gets very difficult and unsafe.” Thus, when recent reports surfaced of a new cycling track being built in Chanakyapuri’s Nehru Park, local cyclists were unable to help but exclaim, “Just one track in one park is not enough.”
Challenge is to find new route
Aman Puri, the founder of the Noida Cycling Group, says, “We planned a 30 to 40km long ride for June 3 to spread awareness on how cycling is a practical travel option for city residents and also a positive choice keeping in mind the need to safeguard the environment.” Finding new, secure possibilities in Noida where the group can cycle carefree, however, is the main problem. The only dedicated cycling track in Noida is located in the Noida Stadium, which is also not very accessible. As a result, the locals decide to make the lengthy trip to Gurugram’s Aravalli Biodiversity Park.
We ride with our group twice a month, and if there were more tracks in the area, we may have increased the frequency of our get-togethers. There aren’t many possibilities, so the problem is to choose a safe way while visiting newer locations, continues Puri.
Riders and their safety
As a result of the more cautious driving, says Mohit Handa, co-founder of the cycling club Delhi Gear Shifters, “We enjoy cycling in Lutyens’ Delhi.” “Cyclists don’t have to worry too much about their lives while pursuing their passion for peddling if other cars ride while obeying the traffic regulations… New and experienced cyclists alike will want to test out the 2.7 km single track at the Nehru Park cycling track, which could result in crowding. Additionally, expert motorcyclists like routes that are at least 50 to 100 km long. They would want to explore Delhi’s picturesque roads, but it is unwise to do so, sometimes even in broad daylight.
Some city dwellers rely on cycling as their primary mode of transportation on a daily basis. The installation of a cycling track is a start in the right direction, but it is not a permanent fix, according to Sarika Panda Bhatt, the bicycle mayor of Gurugram. One should keep in mind that not all cyclists do it for recreation; some commute long distances for a living. The only meaningful remedy to protect cyclists’ lives on the road is an upgraded road design with designated bicycle lanes, bike-friendly intersections, and clear signage that people are required to observe. We definitely don’t have that kind of concern.