Chandigarh – The Draft Cycling Policy – Some
Suggestions.
Dinesh K Kapila
The Chandigarh Administration has announced a Draft Cycling Policy. Its certainly welcome from the point of view of changing weather conditions (climate change) and the environment. With the increase in the price of Brent crude which would result in an increase in petrol and diesel prices drastically, this policy can be beneficial now. The carbon generation by automobiles, crowding, accidents cause stress for the population and the local administration alike.
Urbanisation is a reality and so is the evolution of cities as major centres of trade and employment. But we have to consider certain
aspects too if cycling is to be introduced into the mainstream mode of movement. The fact is it’s very important to remember that we are a Tropical
City with two plus months of high dry heat and two plus months of high humidity
and rains. A city must consider all aspects before advocating certain lines of
action, even if they are well intentioned.
We therefore need to understand that only a
policy, however noble in intent, cannot be useful, or implementable. Just to begin with, if really implemented, our Cultural norms of formal
attire to offices would need a changeover which would require time to build acceptance. As a beginning and as a facilitator, maybe
changing over at varied offices and businesses to a 7 am to 3 pm shift or 8 am
to 4 pm shift would be in order. The entry to the office would be with at least
reduced sweating post cycling to work. This can be fine tuned but has to be
studied.
Another mode could be applying it selectively
as the preferred mode for those living with in two to three kilometres of their
places of work. The policy will require to also acknowledge that Chandigarh is
now inclusive of the greater Tricity region and many will not cycle long
distances. Monorails as in Europe or a metro are required
to create the inter linked mode of travel. We cannot simple mandate cycling or introduce
smart cycling projects. A monorail or a high speed bus corridor to link up
cycle stations would be a requirement. Why not even tramways across a couple of nodes. Infrastructure is another concern.
Massive tree lined cycle pathways (with indigenous tress preferably) are
required from the hub to the spoke. Maybe cycle friendly underpasses too from
major nodes say sector 36 to sector 42.
To build up the spirit and norms, Cycle races could
be organised like marathons or half marathons or five kilometres. . The spirit
of competition can be a motivator for people to take up cycling. It could be a
monthly or fortnightly event. And organised for every few localities by even volunteers. Plus we can introduce Cycle only hours in inner
sector markets. Or on weekends. Lighted up facilitation is required for the
cycle paths. They should be well lit. Potholes and manholes on the cycle paths would
need to be maintained including the removal of shrubs and the cyclists need safer
crossings across the busy roads. Repair shops or booths, with pump sets could be another area to strengthen.
Cycles may be allowed in buses (some redesign would
be required with low floor buses) and the suggested / planned monorails may
also have compartments for cycles. Maybe even trams in place of monorails. Can
we think of alternatively extending the rail links of Chandigarh railway.
Station and Mohali deeper with suburban train services and then link up with
cycle stands. All suburban trains must have coaches for cycles. Electric rail engines would be a major initiative for climate change.
As an additional incentive cum addition, we may encourage cycling for health and have trains to the hills with cyclists encouraged to bring cycles onto trains and in some cases buses. Plus of course the need for cycling tracks too in the lower hills. And with tree cover and tree plantation drives, our hills nearby are dry and are with minimal tree cover. Cultural changes in respect for cycling and cyclists is another prime requirement. For their safety as this will be a new norm. Even with cycle paths, there will be areas of commonality at intersections. We have to have maybe separate traffic lights for cyclists at light points.
Dedicated safe parking for cycles is very essential. And we can even consider the development of cycle highways to busy places say to the High Court, Ellante Mall etc. Bus stops can be redesigned to have a cycle storage or parking facility so that cyclists can take shelter during the rains.
As a beginning we can encourage cycling on
weekends and on holidays with the focus on health and fitness. Cultural changes
cannot be only mandated. Cultural norms and practices across all forms of
offices be it private or banks or government is also a challenge. Maybe
introducing cycling at colleges and within the Punjab University will be a good start. All sprawling campuses
may also adopt this norm. Plus encouraging sector residents to cycle to their
nearby markets.
Lastly, the manufacturers have to design better
cycles and cycles with gears. Cycles have to be better cushioned too. Pricing
is also a major concern to enable adoption. May be subsidies for higher end cycles. Or subsidies to designers and manufacturers for better cycles. And higher funding options to more cycle friendly cities.
This has to be in conjunction with a solar
powered city and climate friendly buildings. And electric automobiles. The challenge of our climate is
the challenge and the main barrier. We have to build a strategy around this
factor.
DKK
===============================================================
n.
Comments
Post a Comment