CHANDIGARH: Despite an increasing interest in cycling among citizens since the lockdown, which could mean an opportunity to reduce vehicle pollution, the authorities are doing nothing to maintain cycle tracks in the city.
The
poor condition
of cycle tracks have resulted in many accidents, and are slowly eroding the resolve of the citizens to stick to an eco-friendly lifestyle.
On Monday, a cycle track near Sector 33/45 dividing road caved in, posing a major risk for the cyclists. For now, the officials have marked the area to make sure it is visible to everybody to prevent mishaps.
Ever since the
monsoon begun, it took a toll on many cycle tracks in the city. With no street lights on the cycle tracks, it has become practically impossible to ride a bicycle after dark due to the dangers en route.
When TOI showed the picture of the ruined cycle track to a 45-year-old cyclist
Gurjusjit
, a member of
the Chandigarh Cycling Club
, he said “I’m not surprised by this condition of the cycle track. Of course, torrential rains create havoc, but substandard work speaks loud and clear in the form of huge pits springing up on city roads.”
TOI tried to contact UT chief engineer Mukesh Anand, but in vain.
Earlier too, TOI did a story on the poor condition of the cycle tracks around the city. Earlier too, the condition of the cycle track in Sector 33 was highlighted. But no concrete steps have been taken so far. If action is not taken immediately, the resolve among people to use environment friendly transportation will lose momentum.
Road safety expert Harman Sidhu told TOI, “Such damage to the tracks even in average rainfall points towards poor execution of work. This increases the risks faced by cyclists. Eventually, people will decide cycle tracks are dangerous.”
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