Pragati Shahi (Read from The Kathmandu Post)
KATHMANDU, APR 01 -
Hundreds of people representing all walks of life are taking part in a mega cycle rally next week seeking a cleaner, more efficient and a bicycle-friendly infrastructure in the Kathmandu Valley.
The mega programme scheduled for April 6 is the brainchild of youth-led NGOs and groups. They will try to draw attention of authorities concerned and press for cycling inclusive urban planning and development.
With the slogan “Come join us and raise your voice for better cycling infrastructure”, participants will start cycling at 9 am on Friday from Khulamanch. The rally will pass through Exhibition Road, Singha Durbar, Hanumansthan and Thapathali before ending at Basantapur. The same day a petition letter will be handed over to the authorities concerned demanding cycle lanes in the Valley.
Samriddhi Dhakal, one of the members of the organising team representing Kathmandu Cycle City 2020, said the programme is being organised at the right time as the government is pushing the road widening campaign forward to control traffic congestion in major cities, including the Valley. “We have been repeatedly calling on the government to integrate bicycle friendly infrastructure, including cycle lanes, for healthy living,” said Dhakal.
The number of people using bicycle as a mode of urban transportation is increasing day by day in the Capital, particularly youths have been taking part in promoting the bicycle culture. However, due to lack of cycle lanes and other basic infrastructure, streets are very unsafe for cycle users. This problem is ultimately discouraging people using cycles for daily mobility. If police records are to go by, pedestrians and cycle users are among the main victims of road accidents.
Majority of cities across the globe, particularly in the west, have been strongly promoting bicycle as one a urban mode of transportation by taking the needs of pedestrians and cyclists seriously. Construction of cycle track systems and bicycle lanes is an important component of the overall urban planning and development, according to experts. International cycling tourism is a billion dollar market with high growth potential.
Meanwhile, the Kathmandu Valley Town Development Implementation Committee, which is responsible for the road expansion drive, has said a separate bicycle lane will be planed from Maitighar to Tinkune in the first step towards integrating cycle-friendly infrastructure in its development plans and strategies.
Posted on: 2012-04-01 09:10
Ride With Pride.
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