The Bicycle
continues to be a popular personal vehicle even in the present age of
supersonic aircraft and fast automobiles.
The humble two-wheeler has survived the onslaught of modern propulsion
technologies on its own merits: It is
affordable in terms of equipment cost, hardly needs any maintenance and has
easy maneuverability. Whether it is a
cattle track in rural areas, congested narrow paved roads or the highways, a
bicycle rider can easily negotiate his way.
People in Indian cities avoid using bicycles largely because of safety
considerations, as they have to compete with high-speed automobiles for road
space in heavy traffic conditions, which is risky.
The first and
the most important step to encourage people to use bicycles will be the
development of necessary infrastructure like exclusive cycle tracks along the
arterial roads in urban areas as well as along the highways. Though bicycle is
considered a poor man’s vehicle in India and a certain social stigma is attached
to the use of bicycle, which inhibit the middle class from using this vehicle,
large numbers of people from every walk of life in countries like China,
Holland etc. prefer bicycles as a means of transport. The Norwegian Prime Minister reportedly rides a bicycle to his
office. These countries also provide special cycle tracks along busy highways
and city roads to ensure safe riding.
glamorising cycling, as India’s habit and government
support to it will go a long way to address the following issues:
¨
Improvement in
air quality, thereby, reduction in respiratory diseases.
¨
Reduction in
emission of greenhouse gases.
¨
Better health
and physical fitness.
¨
Lesser burden on
auto vehicles.
¨
Reduced load on
public transport system
¨
Reduced
dependence on oil imports and saving of precious foreign exchange.
¨
Most economical
mode of transport.
¨
Decongestion of
urban road, meaning lesser accidents.
¨
Safe and human
urban environment for the citizens.
PCRA’s action plan to popularize cycling as a mode
of transport in the country:
1.
2.
To make cycle
manufacturers as our partner to promote cycling we
propose to organize a meeting of bicycle manufactures for bigger campaigns
3.
to seek their
support in manufacturing high efficiency bicycles. Pcra
can also be partner in sponsoring of research project for developing low
weight, energy efficient bicycles.
4.
Letter
from sec MOP&NG to sec
sport for partnering with PCRA in its media efforts to promote cycling.
5.
Letter
from sec MOP&NG to sec
Roads requesting NHAI and State
Govt’s for building cycle tracks along the National Highways and arterial
roads.
6.
Making emission
norms more stringent
7.
Discourage use
of older vehicles through suitable legislations.