From kids to the elderly, cycling offers fun and health benefits to all. The simple yet efficient machine goes a long way in reducing carbon footprint, paving way for a liveable tomorrow. As humanity celebrates World Bicycle Day, Saturday, with the theme ‘Riding together for a sustainable future’, to acknowledge bicycle’s importance as a means of transport, Arindam Ganguly of OrissaPOST talks to people from all walks of life to learn the cycling scenario in Bhubaneswar.
Urban planner and ‘Bicycle Mayor’ of Bhubaneswar Piyush Ranjan Rout said the Covid-19 pandemic has helped all realize the beauty of the Capital City as roads were virtual without fossil-fuel-driven vehicles, leading to a 17 per cent fall in emission levels. “Using a bicycle for commuting in City will not only help reduce carbon footprints but also improve the health of all irrespective of age,” Rout said, adding that there are some risks attached to cycling in Bhubaneswar. “The biggest flipside is probably the risk of accidents as many streets are not cycle-friendly.
Although mobility by cycling is very safe, sharing a road with cars and other vehicles can lead to mishaps. Besides, there is a lack of cycling awareness, leading to confusion,” he pointed out. Lack of cycling infrastructure in Bhubaneswar such as dedicated bicycle lanes, traffic lights, signage, and parking spaces also deters people from choosing bicycles as a mode of transport, Rout added. About Mo Cycle’s failure, he said, “Although the public bicycle sharing model has been successful across the globe, it’s a failure in Odisha.
Defunct Mo Cycles lying at kiosks are testaments to it.” Asrujit Mohanty, an avid cyclist and a resident of Bhubaneswar, said investing in cycling infrastructure would enhance accessibility and connectivity within the City. “Dedicated bicycle lanes, well-maintained paths, and secure parking facilities would encourage more people to choose cycling as a viable mode of transport. This, in turn, can lead to reduced dependence on private vehicles, resulting in less fuel consumption and lower carbon emissions,” Mohanty pointed out.
Another cycling enthusiast Jayajit Jena is also of a similar view. “The government is focusing more on EV and road construction than improving the cycle infra. It’s high time for the state to focus on cycle infra as well,” Jena pointed out. According to Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner Vijay Amruta Kulange, the civic body was repairing the Mo Cycles. “Mo Cycles couldn’t be used during Covid for restrictions. We will explore how citizens can use those these days. Efforts are on to ensure no Mo Cycle is left unused,” Kulange added.
