India needs cycling-friendly ecosystem to cut pollution

Hyderabad: The absence of a proper ecosystem is preventing cycling from becoming the preferred mobility solution for all sections of society, according to a study conducted by the Energy and Resources Institute.

The study found that the ecosystem is not created even for short distances in urban areas.

The emphasis is on short distances because cycles can substitute for two and four-wheelers, and this will help reduce pollution and save the money that people spend on fuel. There is heavy penetration of vehicles being for shorter distances on a regular basis.

The study found that the country can save Rs 1,80,000 crore (Rs 1.8 trillion) can be saved if the right systems are created to encourage cycling.

Mr S. Shravan of the Hyderabad Bicycling Club said their programmes pertained to cycling for health and was not so much on need-based cycling which needed the right ecosystems. 

“Presently, there is a great worry of being hit by a bigger vehicle and not having the right space on the road to cycle. Till these hurdles are removed, establishing cycling as a mode of transport will be a challenge.”

Cycling lanes are a must for this kind of venture. The study states that the use of cycles as a mode of transport has a direct impact on the expenses of individuals and this can be used as a yardstick to promote its use.

The concept of smart cities has cycling as an important aspect and to achieve it there is a need to create the right ecosystems to encourage people to cycle.