Pedalling concerns

Cycling in the city has been undergoing a transformation from being a passion to becoming a lifestyle. While some do use it as a mode of transport, many flinch at the idea of it. Despite the many awareness campaigns and editions of ‘Cycle Day’ being held in the city, cycling has still not taken off the way it should have. The roads can be a challenge for cyclists, says Ramesh Sreekantan, a professor of mathematics, who often navigates city roads on a cycle.

“I live in Malleswaram and I go to Bangalore University everyday, which is about 15 km each way. Though the ride isn’t tough, it can be a challenge when a lot of civic work — underpasses, overbridges  and the like — is happening,” says Ramesh. Neighbourhoods across the city have narrow roads which work well for cycling, but pedalling through intersections can be a risky affair. “Many roads in Malleswaram should be made one way,” he adds. 

The psychological barrier is the biggest obstacle, he says. “Many stop cycling when they are teenagers and think of it as a status issue. There is also the idea that it’s dangerous. If one is careful, then one isn’t much at risk,” says Ramesh. He adds that Bengalureans also believe that the topography of the city is up and downhill, which isn’t really the case. He adds, “It isn’t that bad. It doesn’t take more time than other vehicles.”

Local communities and neighbourhoods are picking up the habit slowly and steadily, says Sathya Sankaran, a member of Bengaluru Coalition for Open Streets (BCOS), which organises ‘Cycle Day’, but it will take longer to become a part of one’s lifestyle.

“‘Cycle Day’ has been observed in 27 areas across the city including Sanjaynagar, Koramangala, Indiranagar, Whitefield, Yelahanka and Nagarbhavi. There are places in Sanjaynagar where people have taken it up. It will take time to spread. Even in places like Amsterdam, it took around 20 years to make cycling a part of one’s life,” he elaborates. To include cycling as a regular part of the transport system, the message has to be spread accordingly.

“Disincentivising private transport options is the only way out. At the moment, we are relying on just the will of the people. Around 2,500 vehicles are registered almost everyday and unless this stops, the roads will become increasingly congested,” says Sathya. The fear factor discourages many from cycling, says Dasarathi G V, an entrepreneur. “There are some who want to cycle but cannot. Many experienced cyclists are alert to the dangers around when they come to a traffic intersection. There is zero consideration for cyclists on the road and motorists cut across them often,” he says.

People here are also addicted to their motor vehicles, he adds. “As a cyclist one, is far more exposed — for example when there’s an accident,” he says. What can be done to make cycling a go to solution? Dasarathi adds that cyclists should be treated like any other road user. “Traffic signals should add some additional seconds for cyclists along with the sign for pedestrians, so that they can cross across. Proper cycle lanes should be maintained and marked,” he adds.

The dangers of the road keep passionate cyclists like Sunil Bhat, a professional, from pedalling within the city. “Though I cycle with friends to Nandi Hills, I stay don’t cycle inside the city. The roads are forever brimming with traffic and full of roadblocks. One always has to be alert on the road and will not be able to enjoy the experience, with horns blaring,” reasons Sunil.

There has to be proper traffic management in the city. “Sensitising motorists about cyclists’ right to the road is a must. Cyclists are often honked at and other vehicles come really close to us. Also, we are most exposed to vehicular pollution, which could discourage many,” he adds. Ankush Sharma, who owns an sports event company, says that many are not aware of how bicycles have gone through a transformation and that they are no longer just single-gear vehicles.

“Many think of cycling as a slow and tiring process. The idea of travelling from one end to the other using a slow means of transport has discouraged many from taking cycling up,” says Ankush. He agrees that the city’s infrastructure isn’t the best. “Even in places like Jayanagar where cycle lanes exist, cars can be seen parked on them,” he says. Ankush adds while motorists often turn a the blind eye to cyclists, the latter must make themselves more visible on the roads.