Ban on cycling in Kolkata regressive: Activists

Activists have come out against the blanket ban on cycling in Kolkata, saying that the decision is regressive and will harm the environment, affect the livelihood of poor people and add to the transport woes of the already-congested city.

"Kolkata is going regressive. We should discourage private motor vehicles and encourage all forms of public transport," said Anumita Roychowdhury from the Centre for Science and Environment, New Delhi.

Instead of banning cycling, Kolkata should create spaces for walking and cycling like all other modern cities world over, she said. Bani Ghosh, Secretary of West Bengal Cyclists' Association, said, "When the world is encouraging a greener earth and promoting non-polluting modes of transportation, why are we moving in the opposite direction by enforcing a ban on cycling in Kolkata?"

Under the West Bengal Traffic Regulation Act of 1965, the Kolkata police have barred bicycles from 174 thoroughfares, a blanket ban in effect, from August this year.

The ban includes cycles, cycle vans, handcart, pull-carts and bakery vans.

The Central government also gives priority to the construction of cycle tracks and pedestrian paths in all cities under the National Urban Transport Policy to enhance safety and thereby promote use of non-motorised modes, Ghosh said.

Delhi has been at the forefront of this with the Delhi Master Plan 2021 recommending cycle tracks for all roads, he said. Mumbai inaugurated its first 12-km cycling track in 2011 to encourage people to use bicycles to commute to work, and ease congestion on the roads, he said, adding that even Chandigarh constructed 160 km of wide cycle paths between 2001 and 2003.

Meanwhile, K Hari Rajan, Additional Commissioner (Traffic) of Kolkata Police, said that cycling has been banned to ensure that the traffic flow is not disturbed by the mix of fast-moving vehicles and cycles as the city has no provision for dedicated cycling tracks.

Demanding a solution, Gautam Shroff of a Kolkata cycling roup 'Ride to Breathe', said, "Its important to treat all cycles with the same discipline as other motor vehicles. Apply the same traffic rules and remedial fines or punishments as per the law. Banning is not the solution."

The ban also impacts the poorest class whose livelihood depends on their ability to commute on non-motorised transport like cycles, cycle vans, handcart, pull-carts, bakery vans, he said.

"If cycles and non-motorised transport were to stop plying on the streets, the city will stop functioning as all the necessities in the city is transported through them. Milk, newspapers, medicines, courier and postage, amongst other things, are delivered on cycles," a group of cyclists, rickshaw-pullers, milkmen and newspaper vendors had said while protesting against the ban on October 2.

Om Prakash Tiwari from the Cycle Van and Hand Cart Union said, "We are the backbone for Durga Puja Pandals made in the city. Festivals, markets, shops, weddings, functions all depend on us."

According to the 2011 Census, there are twice as many cycles and non-motorised transport in the metropolis than cars or motor cycles as around 25 lakh trips are made each day on cycles alone.