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Sunday , 24 March 2024

Are Cycles for Allies & Parks?

Safety concerns

Pedestrians and cyclists account for 60 to 90% of all traffic fatalities. Poor road design, traffic speed and unruly driving habits make pedestrians and cyclists vulnerable. Over the past decade, laws have banned cycle rickshaws from prime areas in cities to make room for cars.

Delhi-based Ashish Nagpal,Senior Manager, Sapinet Consulting, who has been commuting by cycle for over four years to work at Gurgoan, said, “Cycling in Delhi is very difficult not just because of poor infrastructure but also because of lack of enforcement in creating space for cyclists and hogging of road space by larger motorized vehicles. This has left the cyclists with just alleys and parks.”

Nagpal further added, “There are several plans and laws to protect the cyclist, to give them their space. But even the measly `100 fine for entering a cycle lane has rarely been enforced. Similarly, no effort has been made to free pavements and cycle tracks of encroachments, another punishable offence but rarely enforced. Anyway, the Capital’s cyclists should still be thankful to the government for not going the Kolkata way and banning cycling altogether.”

Tips on cycling safely

While the benefits of cycling outweigh the risks, the following tips will help you to stay safe on the road:

Be visible to other road users

Make sure you’re visible to other road users and pedestrians. Wear bright or fluorescent clothing in daylight or poor light, and reflective clothing at night. Always use lights after dark, in the rain or if the weather is overcast.

Give yourself space on the left and don’t feel you have to cycle close to the kerb if a car behind you gets impatient. By moving further into the road you’ll avoid most drain covers and roadside debris. You’ll also help drivers think more carefully about when it’s safe to pass you.

Protect yourself with a helmet

Always wear a helmet as this reduces the risk of head injury if you’re in an accident. To be effective, the helmet must be level on the head, with the pads inside touching all the way around and the strap comfortably snug.

Make eye contact with drivers

Always be aware of who is around you. Make eye contact with drivers and let them know you’ve seen them. This will tell you if the driver has seen you or not, which is especially helpful before you make a manoeuvre.

Make your intentions clear to other road users

Show drivers what you plan to do in plenty of time and when it’s safe to do so. Always look and signal before you start, stop or turn. Looking over your shoulder while indicating with one hand can be tricky, practise this first when you are not on the road.

Cycling etiquette

1. Don’t weave in and out of traffic or change direction suddenly without signalling.

2. Use cycle routes, advanced stop lines, cycle boxes and toucan crossings (dual cycle and pedestrian crossings) unless it’s unsafe to do so at the time. It’s not compulsory to use these, and whether you do so will depend on your experience and skills. But they can make your journey safer.

3. Give pedestrians priority at all times. Some may be partially sighted or deaf and may not be aware of your presence.

4. Use your bell to inform other road users of your presence. Fit a bell or horn if your bicycle is not fitted with one.

Dissenting Voices

Mumbai- based communication consultant Anil Uchil’s online ‘Cycle to Work’ group started two years ago, has attracted more than 273 members. Uchil has travelled across the city in his cycle for the last 30 years; he cycles everyday from Mulund to Anderi (40km). He said, “The cycle is the fastest way, and the surest way, of getting across any city – especially any traffic-ridden city – in India. The bike’s eco-friendliness and the savings on petrol are certainly considerations. With the amount of money I have saved in the last few years, I think I can afford to buy a couple of cars,” he says half-jokingly.

Uchil cites an example of cycle track built in Bandra-Kurla Complex, which was specially designed for cycles; however they are still seen as streetscaping and not a usable system. There are many design gaffes that compromise usability: lanes are discontinuous, inadequate exit points and no measures have been taken to calm traffic at the merging points. What’s more, junctions are poorly designed; cars encroach upon footpaths and cycle paths. Consequently, cyclists prefer to stay on the congested roads. Without providing any means of cycle access from Bandra, Kurla, or Sion. Uchil notes that use of these few lanes isn’t enforced; even the police chowkies sprawl into them. As many point out, the simpler problems need fixing before a dedicated cycle infrastructure can be built. The planning here has focused on motorized transport use, and not pedestrians or cyclists.”

Cycling is not without its drawbacks, non-infrastructural challenges are too many. Especially in Mumbai’s sticky, sweaty climate; it requires a quick wash and toweling-off before changing into office clothes. “People find it daunting because they do not want to arrive sweaty at work. A quick shower in the office washroom if such a facility is available, or carrying a change of clothes will help,” Ashok Datar adds.

Interestingly, there is a lot of corporate support for cycling, especially from new-economy biggies such as Infosys, Accenture, HP and Bosch. At Infosys campuses everywhere, for instance, vehicles that run on fossil fuel are banned; instead there are bicycles – hundreds of them – scattered all over which employees are free to ride. Many offices also provide lockers and showers, where bikers can take a quick shower after a sweaty ride and get into their workday clothes.

All said, cyclists and motorists are equally entitled to use and share the same road space. Respecting all road users helps everyone to benefit from travelling by road.

Preeti Swaminathan

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