• UGI USER
  • Mar 27, 2024
  • 21 Likes
  • 0 Comments

SET THE WHEELS IN MOTION FOR A CYCLISTS MANIFESTO

Syllabus:

GS3 : Science : Applications and Effects in Everyday Life.

Focus:

  • The editorial emphasizes the significance of cycling in India beyond mere transport, linking it to social justice and transformative impacts on people’s lives.
  • It discusses the growth of cycling ownership, its social outcomes, urban challenges, and the need for a comprehensive cyclists’ manifesto.
 Source: HDOR

Cycling Beyond Transport

  • Global vs. Indian Perspectives
  • Western discourse focuses on decarbonizing transport.
  • Indian narrative highlights cycling as a social justice tool.
  • Transformative Benefits
  • Improved physical health and mental well-being.
  • Economic savings and reduced transportation costs.
  • Environmental Impact
  • Lower carbon emissions.
  • Reduction in air pollution.
  • Cultural Significance
  • Historical importance of cycling in Indian culture.
  • Role of cycling in community bonding.
  • Economic Opportunities
  • Potential for cycle-based tourism.
  • Boost to local cycle manufacturing industries.

Cycling Ownership and Its Resilience

National Trends

Minimal growth in cycling ownership: 

  • A rise from 48% to 55% between 1998-99 and 2019-21.

Cultural and Economic Factors

  • Influence of urbanization and lifestyle changes.
  • Affordability and accessibility of cycles.

Gender Dynamics

  • Shifts in female ownership and usage patterns.
  • Empowerment through cycle ownership.

Age Demographics

  • Youth engagement and increasing interest in cycling.
  • Role of schools and educational institutions in promoting cycling.

Rural vs. Urban Divide

  • Differences in ownership and usage patterns.
  • Importance of rural mobility and its connection to agriculture.
  1. State-specific Growth
  2. Madhya Pradesh & Rajasthan
  • Cycling ownership surged from 30% to over 75%.
  • Role of state initiatives and cultural factors.

Uttar Pradesh

  • Growth from 26% to 71%.
  • Influence of government schemes and urban development.

West Bengal

  • Significant increase from 53% to 79%.
  • Impact of educational and youth-focused programs.

Comparative Car Ownership

  • A mere 5.4% population-weighted average car ownership across these states in 2021.
  • Economic implications and sustainability concerns.

Public Perception and Attitude

  • Changing views on cycling as a viable transport option.
  • Role of media and awareness campaigns.

Translating Ownership to Usage

Research Insights

(Study by the Transportation Research and Injury Prevention Centre, IIT Delhi.)

  • National Sample Survey Organisation (2007-17) Findings
  • Cycling to school rose from 6.6% to 11.2%.
  • Factors influencing school commute choices.
  • Rural vs. Urban Trends
  • Doubling in rural areas (6.3% to 12.3%) while urban areas remained consistent (7.8% to 8.3%).
  • Infrastructure challenges and cultural preferences.
  • Bicycle Distribution Schemes (BDS) Impact
  • Positive correlation between BDS and cycling rates.
  • Success stories and state-specific achievements.
  • BDS Implementation Challenges
  • Administrative hurdles and resource allocation.
  • Public awareness and participation.
  • Role of NGOs and Civil Society
  • Contribution to promoting cycling culture.
  • Community engagement and grassroots initiatives.

Socio-economic Impact of Cycle Access

Educational Outcomes

Bihar’s BDS Program

  • Linked with increased girls’ enrolment in class nine.
  • Higher participation in secondary school certification exams.

Karnataka Case Study

  • 170 low-income women in Bengaluru received bicycles.
  • Economic empowerment and work opportunities.

Barriers to Education

  • Distance to schools and transportation challenges.
  • Economic constraints and their implications.

Public Health Benefits

  • Improved attendance and academic performance.
  • Physical fitness and reduced sedentary lifestyle.

Economic Growth and Development

  • Skills development and vocational training opportunities.
  • Strengthening of local economies through increased mobility.

Economic Implications

Barrier of Affordability

  • Half of the beneficiaries in the Bengaluru study couldn’t afford a cycle prior.
  • Out-of-pocket expenses hindered transport choices.

Government Initiatives and Subsidies

  • Importance of financial support and subsidies.
  • Incentivizing cycle ownership and usage.

Impact on Public Transport

  • Decrease in bus and auto-rickshaw usage with increased cycling.
  • Implications for public transport sustainability and revenue.

Economic Savings for Households

  • Reduced transportation costs and improved financial stability.
  • Long-term economic benefits of cycling infrastructure investments.

Promotion of Local Industries

  • Boost to cycle manufacturing, repair, and maintenance sectors.
  • Job creation and skill development opportunities.
Global Case Study:

Copenhagen’s Cycling Revolution

Overview:

Copenhagen, Denmark, stands out as a leading example of a cycling-friendly city due to its transformative efforts over the years.

 Key Strategies:

1.     Infrastructure Boost:

·   Copenhagen invested in dedicated bike lanes, bridges, and cyclist-friendly traffic signals.

·   Introduced a “Green Wave” system to prioritize cyclists by coordinating traffic lights.

2.     Promoting Cycling Culture:

·   Launched campaigns highlighting cycling’s sustainability and health benefits.

·   Incorporated cycling education in school curriculums.

3.     Bike Sharing Programs:

·   Introduced public bike-sharing systems like “Bycyklen” and “GoBike.”

·   Offered convenient and cost-effective cycling options for short commutes.

4.     Governance and Policies:

·   Demonstrated strong political commitment to the cycling agenda.

·   Formulated policies to integrate cycling into urban planning.

Results:

·   Currently, over 62% of Copenhagen residents cycle to work or school.

·   Significant reductions in traffic congestion, pollution, and carbon emissions have been observed.

·   Cycling has become a defining feature of the city’s identity, enhancing its livability and sustainability.

Conclusion:

Copenhagen’s cycling transformation highlights the importance of strategic planning, infrastructure development, and public engagement in promoting cycling as a sustainable urban transportation option.

Challenges in Promoting Cycling in India

Infrastructure Limitations

  • Insufficient dedicated cycling lanes and tracks in urban areas.
  • Multi-lane roads and wide junctions pose hazards for cyclists.

Safety Concerns

  • High risk of traffic fatalities for cyclists compared to car occupants.
  • Lack of awareness and education on road safety for cyclists.

Cultural Perceptions

  • Prevailing view of cycling as a mode for the economically disadvantaged.
  • Shift needed from car-centric to cycle-friendly urban planning.

Economic Barriers

  • Affordability remains a significant hurdle for many potential cyclists.
  • Limited access to subsidized or affordable bicycles in rural and urban areas.

Policy Implementation Challenges

  • Inconsistent implementation of Bicycle Distribution Schemes across states.
  • Lack of comprehensive national strategy for promoting cycling.

Public Transport Competition

  • Free transport schemes like the Shakti scheme in Karnataka reduce cycling incentives.
  • Limited integration between cycling and public transport systems.

Lack of Awareness and Education

  • Limited public awareness about the health, environmental, and economic benefits of cycling.
  • Need for campaigns promoting cycling as a viable and beneficial mode of transport.

Way Forward:

  • Expand Bicycle Distribution Schemes (BDS):
  • Extend BDS coverage to urban areas, targeting both school-going children and adults.
  • Ensure transparent implementation and effective monitoring of these schemes.
  • Encourage Public-Private Partnerships (PPP):
  • Collaborate with NGOs and private sector to promote cycling initiatives and infrastructure development.
  • Facilitate sponsorship and CSR activities to boost cycling culture.
  • Invest in Infrastructure:
  • Develop dedicated cycling lanes and paths in urban areas to ensure safety and encourage usage.
  • Provide secure parking facilities and repair shops to support regular cyclists.
  • Policy and Regulatory Reforms:
  • Formulate a national cyclists’ policy to guide and support state-level initiatives.
  • Incentivize cycle manufacturers and retailers to produce quality and affordable cycles.
  • Promote Awareness and Education:
  • Launch nationwide campaigns highlighting the benefits of cycling for health, environment, and economy.
  • Incorporate cycling education in school curriculums to instill a culture of cycling from a young age.

Conclusion

Recognizing cycling as more than just a transport mode is crucial for India’s development. Prioritizing cycling infrastructure, expanding BDS schemes, and securing political commitment can usher in a cyclist-friendly era for India.

Source:

https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/set-the-wheels-in-motion-for-a-cyclists-manifesto/article67995327.ece/amp/

Mains Practice Question:

Despite its numerous benefits, cycling in India is often overshadowed by car-centric infrastructure and policy limitations. Discuss the transformative potential of cycling in India, drawing insights from its socio-economic impact and public perception.