Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has no plans to remove the cycle ban around lakes.
It was 2008. Venkateshwara Rao was working in an Information and Technology (IT) company. Hours and hours in front of the computer started to take a toll on his health. “I have to do something,” he thought. That something turned out to be cycling. Venkateshwara is still working in the IT industry, but the cycling habit he started in 2008 still stays with him.
A lot of people in India have similar stories like Venkateshwara Rao. But, most beginners are afraid to ride in the city, with its traffic. Rightly so, for according to data provided by Bangalore Traffic Police, the number of cyclists’ death increased 35 per cent to 19 reported cases in 2023 from 14 cases in 2022. The number of fatal accidents reported in 2021 was nine. The non- fatal accidents involving cyclists reported in 2023 was 67, a 63 per cent increase from 41 cases in 2022. Number of non-fatal accidents reported in 2021 was 36.
Harish, an engineer brought two bicycles last year, one for his wife and one for him. He no longer uses them. Each cost almost Rs.10,000. “I bought the bicycles to spend some quality and bonding time with my family. But, I’m too afraid to ride the bicycle in the city. So, we stopped cycling,” he said.
Vikram Bhat, an urban planner said that while cycling is a fun activity in UK and US, he doesn’t go cycling in India, because of the vehicular traffic that cannot be trusted. “In India we don’t have vehicular discipline,” he said.
Statista consumer insights of 2023 show that 34 per cent people used cycles for transportation twice a week or more in India. Netherland tops the list with 53 per cent cycle users. India stands third in the list along with Germany and Brazil, with 34 percent cycle users.
However, the city doesn’t have proper infrastructure for cyclists. A recent report has mentioned the lack of proper bicycle lane network in the city. Smart City officials have said that currently there are no plans for further expansion or interconnection of the existing cycle lanes.
“Companies need to promote cycling as a sustainable and healthy commuting option. It not only reduces traffic congestion but also promotes a healthier lifestyle among employees,” Bangalore Cyclists Group.
For beginners in the city, there is no place to start recreational cycling. Sathyanarayan Shankaran, the Bicycle Mayor of Bangalore said that by closing all lakes to cyclists, they are forcing them to go on the main road. “And hence we are vulnerable,” he said.
Saravanan, a member of Bangalore Cyclists Group started cycling with the goal of doing a triathlon someday. “Over time, I started enjoying recreational cycling and travelling with bicycles,” he said. Triathlon is an endurance contest involving swimming, cycling, and running.
Even though Bangalore is cycling friendly with a growing network of lanes, Saravanan said, “cyclists should be very careful while riding, considering the relative speed between cycles and motor vehicles.”
The Bangalore Cyclists Group observed a noticeable increase in the number of people preferring and enjoying cycling in Bangalore. “The city’s pleasant weather and growing cycling infrastructure has made it a popular choice for enthusiasts,” one of the members said.
Experienced cyclists like Venkateshwara Rao and Banglore Cyclists Group usually cycle to explore different parts of Karnataka. Venkateshwara cycles to Nandi hills in his free time.
According to Ipsos report, India tops in those who ride a bicycle at least once a week. According to the report, at least two in three urban Indians claim to ride a bicycle at least once a week, which is the highest globally.
However, safety concerns regarding cycling in India have increased. Recently, Avtar Saini, ex-Intel chief died at Mumbai while cycling. He was hit by a cab, and despite wearing a helmet, he couldn’t be saved.
According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways data, 1,445 cyclists death were reported in 2022, 1,667 in 2021, and 1,232 in 2020. Cycle accidents on National Highways were 3,003 in 2022. Accident data was 3,009 in 2021 and 2,468 in 2020.
Shankaran said that all lakes should be opened up for cyclists. “There are 185 lakes around Bangalore. They can easily create 400 km of cycle friendly places, if they create at least two kilometers surrounding lakes. If they are confident enough, they can go outside city,” he said. He added that the cyclists are asking BBMP to open up the lakes.
Mahesh, Assistant Executive Engineer, Lakes department, BBMP said that they haven’t decided anything regarding providing cycling access around the lake area. “Generally, people need place to walk around lakes. There is not much width. So, we can’t provide cycling paths,” he said.
The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) had banned cycling around lakes in 2021. BBMP banned cycling near Kundalahalli Lake saying that these areas are only meant for walking with special consideration to senior citizens. The BBMP said that they don’t want to create any paths or cycle tracks around lake.
According to the Bangalore Cyclists Group, cycling offers a multitude of benefits including improved physical fitness, reduced carbon footprint and mental well-being. “It fosters a sense of community and camaraderie, where cycling becomes not just an activity but a social and fun experience,” they said.
Shankaran said that people prefer cycling to go out and get exercise. “The community of cyclists is growing. People are picking up cycling. Cycling has come back across the world. Beyond just the gym, people want to go out and get exercise. It’s the next level of jogging,” he said. He added that cycling is usually done by influence.
Even though the Cycle to Work initiative has helped in popularizing cycling, the safety concerns remain. “A lot of vehicles are on the road which are bigger than cycles. So, there is fear surrounding it,” said Sathyanarayan.
The Bangalore Cyclists Group member Saravanan said that the Cycle to Work initiative is gaining momentum in Bangalore. “Companies need to promote cycling as a sustainable and healthy commuting option. It not only reduces traffic congestion but also promotes a healthier lifestyle among employees,” he said.
A World Health Organization (WHO) case study published in 2019 mentions the promotion of cycling in Bangalore.
Vikram Bhat said that Botanical gardens like Lalbagh should be opened up for cyclists. “Places like Lalbagh should have dedicated lanes just for cyclists,” he said.
Citing the example of Sankey Tank a lake in Malleshwaram, he said that since the number of people visiting the lake is higher, it is ideal to take up cycling activities in parks. “Along the lake, the pathway is narrow. They are creating a walkway around the lake. So there is no place for a cycling lane there,” he said.
Shankaran said that more recreational paths should be created. “There were lots of places to explore and ride around. Unfortunately, the city keeps growing wider, and not taller. The locations need to be preserved. You have to create more green spaces where people can cycle. Lot of the places where we used to go has become very crowded now. There are no green patches left,” he said.
Vikram Bhat said that, to promote cycling, metros should have a dedicated coach for cyclists. “Currently, the Bangalore metro only allow foldable cycles inside metro. They should allow cycles in metros and buses,” he said.
