Motorists take over cycle tracks in Jayanagar

Schoolchildren are scared to cycle on City’s roads, bicycle enthusiasts are bullied by motorists and those driving powered vehicles believe that they rule the road.
But things may be changing ­- at least on paper.  

Authorities at Jayanagar have recently marked out extensive bicycle lanes in the area. According to officials, a stretch of 40 kilometre around Jayanagar has been marked and 70 per cent of the signboards are in place.

Though this is a relief on paper, in practice, chances are that if you are a cyclist using these tracks in their present condition, you will find yourself bumping into parked vehicles.

If one takes a look at the stretch between the Jayanagar 3rd Block and the Ashoka Pillar junction, two-wheelers and cars can be seen occupying the space meant for cyclists. Not only this, at certain points, parking signs for vehicles and the cycle signboards have been erected at the same spots, creating confusion for both motorists and cyclists.

Furthermore, the cycle track on this stretch also ventures into a bus bay, creating a major hazard. As the road also has many commercial establishments, owners of the vehicles claim that they have no choice but to use a section of the road for parking.
But the Department of Urban Land Transport contests this.

“Roads are not meant for parking and nobody can claim a part of the road for parking,” said Manjula, the Commissioner of the Department of Urban Land Transport.
“We are aware of the problem and are working towards resolving it.”

Basavaraj Khabade, an executive engineer in the traffic engineering cell of the BBMP said that they have spoken to the traffic police and within the next fortnight, expect to find the roads better managed. “We will put more signboards and ‘no parking’ boards,” he told Deccan Herald.  

Gopal Kishore, a cyclist, said the lanes make no difference if people remain indifferent to other road users.

“Barricades have to be put on the roads to clearly identify the track meant for cyclists. This track could also be shared with pedestrians as we seem to lack space for footpaths.

Clear entry and exit points for these tracks are a must,” he added and suggested that the Metro should have a separate compartment for cycles so that cyclists can use the Metro while travelling long distances. The step would reduce the dependence on motorised road transport.

Murali of ‘Ride a Cycle Foundation’ who is actively involved in creating cycle tracks, points out that awareness needs to be created among motorists as well as cyclists about the tracks. “We want the fine for parking in a cycle track to be hiked from Rs 150 to Rs 300,” he said.

Recommendations have also been made to paint cycle tracks green to make a clear separation of space meant for cycles.