Riding Cycles Not A Capital Experience In Bhubaneswar; Know Why

Bhubaneswar: World Bicycle Day is observed on June 3, two days ahead of World Environment Day on June 5.

Though not apparent initially, there is a strong link between what these two days represent. If more people use bicycles, there will less pollution from vehicles.

And this is particularly important for the Odisha capital. But with huge rush of traffic and burgeoning markets, is Bhubaneswar safe for cyclists? Odisha Bytes talked to two passionate cyclists to find an answer.

“Bicycles have never been so much dear to both rich and poor as in recent times. It has emerged like a miracle instrument during this COVID-19 pandemic. Be it migrants returning home or swanky people pedalling to stay fit while gyms are closed. Or take the case of executives cycling to their offices and many people even pedalling to avail of essential services,” Dr Piyush Ranjan Rout, an urban planner, averred.

Rout argued that the lockdown and lesser cars on the roads have come as blessings for Bhubaneswar. “The emission level has fallen by 17 per cent and half of it is due to less number of cars on the roads during the lockdown last year. In fact, this crisis has given us the opportunity to realize how beautiful our city can be without vehicles,” he said.

In fact, he informed that cycling as a healthy way of living is followed in many parts of the world. “Due to my profession, I have visited many countries. I have seen that how they give importance to cycling,” he said.

Rout himself has been inspired by this. “Since 2000, I have been cycling. For most of my work, I prefer to use a cycle for travelling,” he said.

Unfortunately, the urban planner added, Bhubaneswar is not a very friendly city towards bicyclists. “We now have expanded roads in our city, but these are preferable for only vehicular movement. But these roads are not at all safe for cyclists and pedestrians.”

But is there no solution to this problem? “At least three meters of space on both sides of roads should be earmarked for cyclists and pedestrians,” he replied.

“Besides, the government should be pro-active regarding how our city can be safe for cyclists. Mo-Cycle was a beautiful initiative. But the operators could not handle it properly. The dedicated cycle tracks on the roads have almost disappeared now. Shockingly, a temporary market has come up on one of the cycle tracks in the city,” he rued.

Rout stressed on creating awareness among people to bring in a culture of cycling in Bhubaneswar. “Senior officials should use cycles to go to offices. This way they will stay fit and can motivate common people to follow their example,” he said.

“Motorists too should appreciate sharing space with cyclists on the roads. City residents must make it a habit to use cycles while going at least five km from home to a market or temple. Besides, students should be encouraged to ride cycles to schools,” he added.

Another cycling enthusiast in Bhubaneswar, Bhabani Shankar Mohapatra, echoed that Bhubaneswar is not safe for bicyclists.

“As cyclists, we get respect in Bhubaneswar. But from a safety point of view, there is risk. We find more vehicles than cycles here in the city,” Mohapatra said.

He also blamed poor maintenance of the cycle tracks in the city for the present imbroglio. “Our cycling tracks in the city were unplanned. No vehicle should enter the cycle tracks at any cost. but the rules go for a toss. There is some or other problem on the dedicated tracks and this makes it difficult for bicycle riders to use them,” he added.

Mohapatra averred that creating awareness on cycling is the key. “If more people are aware of the benefits of cycling and more tracks are planned, then the use of cycles among city people and there will be planned cycle tracks in the city, then the use of cycle may be increased,” said Mohapatra, who has been participating in many cycling events since 2014.