Cyclists in Ranchi on Tuesday raised concerns over the lack of dedicated cycle tracks and parking spaces in the city. They highlighted that the absence of such facilities, combined with the growing number of vehicles, has increased safety risks for cyclists, who form a significant portion of the population.
Cyclist concerns over safety
Kanishka Poddar, the bicycle mayor of Ranchi, stated, "Two-wheelers, four-wheelers, and heavy vehicles ply on the same lane as bicycles. Without dedicated lanes, many people fear using cycling as a mode of transport. With all vehicles sharing narrow lanes, cyclists face the risk of fatal accidents." Poddar emphasized that while most people either walk or cycle on city roads, "emphasis is placed on making roads safer for vehicle owners, neglecting the majority." He urged the government to prioritize safer roads for cyclists rather than launching public cycle-sharing initiatives, noting that such efforts will be futile without basic infrastructure.
Another cyclist, Manish Kumar, added, "It is very difficult to pedal in the city. Moreover, vehicle owners often harass us by constantly honking from behind."
Decline of public bicycle sharing
The once-popular public bicycle sharing system, introduced in 2019 by the Ranchi Smart City Corporation Limited (RSCL) to promote green mobility and reduce vehicular emissions, is now on the verge of being phased out. In its initial years, the project received a good response, especially among students, office-goers, and fitness enthusiasts who embraced cycling as a convenient commuting option.
An RSCL official, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that the initiative will be phased out due to heavy losses incurred by the corporation. "During the Covid-19 pandemic, many enthusiasts purchased their own cycles, leading to a decline in the initiative's popularity. Maintaining the bicycles is also a costly affair," the official added.
World Cycle Day events
On the occasion of World Cycle Day on Wednesday, the forest department will organize a cyclothon from its headquarters in Doranda to Oxygen Park in Morabadi to raise awareness about the benefits of cycling and promote green mobility. The cycling community, led by Poddar, will also organize a bicycle ride on Wednesday, covering approximately 40 kilometers.
