The bustling metropolis of Bengaluru stands at a crossroads of urban development and sustainability. As the city grapples with escalating traffic congestion and increasing demand for accessible transportation options, the implementation of dedicated cycling lanes emerges as a critical solution. And the city had its share of a long, separate 17-kilometre cycle lane, only to disappear now for the Namma Metro line’s development.
Why Did The Bicycle Lane Disappear?
Civic authorities installed a separate 17-kilometer cycling lane around the Outer Ring Road (ORR) in 2020. This lane served a sizable number of workers travelling to their workplaces along the city’s information technology corridor. But now, the cycle lane has vanished as a result of the Namma Metro line’s development along the same route.
According to an article published by The Hindu, the lane included signs of ‘cycle lane’ on the service road. But, on the authorised cycle lane, a couple of cars and taxis were parked. Due to the metro construction, the bollards that previously separated the 17 km cycling lane from the main road have been removed.
The article mentions Sathya Sankaran, Bengaluru’s bicycle mayor, who voiced dissatisfaction with the government for destroying the lane, blaming it on metro construction, along with other committed cyclists who played a key role in getting the authorities to install the lane.
Moreover, these lanes were a great help to many cyclists who commuted to work. Unfortunately, the cycle lane gradually disappeared from this stretch as the Namma Metro line’s development began in 2022, placing cyclists in danger.
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However, This Bicycle Lane Is Essential
Bengaluru’s notorious traffic congestion has become a defining characteristic of the city. Daily commutes are prolonged, leading to a significant waste of time, productivity, and energy. Cycling lanes provide an alternative mode of transportation that is not only eco-friendly but also efficient.
The dedicated cycling lane was crucial in improving bicycle safety. Those who ride bicycles to work every day will surely have to give up some of their safety if the lane doesn’t exist. Therefore, the government must plan to reinstate the cycle lane.
The need for cycling lanes in Bengaluru is not just a matter of convenience but a multifaceted solution to some of the city’s most pressing problems.
What do you think about these cycling lanes?
Cover image credits: Twitter/Nihar Thakkar