[sustran] Hyderabad in dire need of bicycle master plan

[Vinay Baindur]

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/hyderabad-in-dire-need-of-bicycle-master-plan/article4718688.ece?css=print





*Hyderabad in dire need of bicycle master plan*

T. Lalith Singh

THE HINDU


The Comprehensive Transportation Study underscores the need to promote
bicycling and make the city ‘bicycle-friendly’

Hyderabad Metropolitan Area which is witnessing a spurt in privately owned
vehicle numbers and subsequent rise in pollution is in need of a Bicycle
Master Plan.

The Comprehensive Transportation Study (CTS) taken up on behalf of
Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority to suggest solutions for
transportation issues has underscored the need to promote bicycling and
make the city ‘bicycle-friendly’.

Advocating a Bicycle Master Plan, the CTS report called for a wide network
of cycle routes and facilities and making bicycle policy an integral part
of transportation system policies.

The quality of urban environment has deteriorated seriously owing to noise
and air pollution and inadequate road safety, the report compiled by LEA
Associates says. Most pollutants present at the street level originate from
motor vehicles, it points out while adding, “there is a definite need to
make the city bicycle-friendly”.

According to CTS report, between 2001 and 2011, the population increase in
HMA has been about 23.7 per cent whereas the increase in private vehicles
shot up by 231 per cent. The private vehicle ownership levels in Hyderabad
Metropolitan Area are expected to increase six folds from 16,74,399 in 2011
to 99,58,820 by the year 2041, forecasts the study. It will rise from 178
vehicles/1,000 people in the year 2011 to 512 vehicles/1,000 people by the
year 2041.

The Bicycle Master Plan has been proposed as a document with ‘long-range
planning for developing bicycle infrastructure in the city with emphasis on
designating and expanding bike routes, fostering a safe environment for
cycling and promoting bicycling as a viable transportation option’.

The report calls for providing exclusive right of way for bicycles and
improving safety by segregating vehicles moving at different speeds.

These steps coupled with safe bicycle parking places, could also contribute
towards increasing the use of public transport. Also suggested are
facilities such as shade giving landscaping, provision of drinking water
and resting stations along bicycle corridors.

Keywords: Comprehensive Transportation Study, Bicycle Master Plan,
Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority, Hyderabad Metropolitan Area,
bicycle-friendly

Printable version | May 16, 2013 7:51:37 PM |
http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/hyderabad-in-dire-need-of-bicycle-master-plan/article4718688.ece