Rapid growth of population coupled with the improving socio-economic conditions of people and high concentration of motor vehicles in Bengaluru has contributed to a phenomenal growth of traffic on the city roads. Traffic congestion is the obvious consequences especially when the scope of expansion of road space is severely limited. There is a need to reduce personalized vehicles on roads to improve traffic situation in the city.
One of the solution to reduce traffic congestion is to encourage non-motorized transport like use of bicycles. Bicycle journeys should be promoted for travel to educational institutions and work place which are generally in the vicinity of 5 – 6 Kms. from place of residences. Bicycle use to be one of the most important modes of transport in Bengaluru City during 1970s and 1980s of previous century. Apart from cycling, walking for short distances upto one kilometer journeys should be adopted by citizens for not only reducing congestion but also for healthy lifestyles.
With increasing urban sprawl and rising income levels, non-motorized transport has lost its earlier importance. Statistics also show that the share of bicycle trips out of the total trips in Bengaluru has declined from 17% in 1981 to less than one percent in 2021. The longer trip lengths have made cycling more difficult. Further, non-motorized modes are also exposed to greater risk of accidents as they share a common right of way with motorized fast-moving vehicles. However, non-motorized modes are environmentally friendly and must be given their due share in the transport system of a city. The problems being faced by them would have to be mitigated.
Firstly, the safety concerns of cyclists and pedestrians must be addressed by constructing segregated rights of way for bicycles and pedestrians. Apart from improving safety, the segregation of vehicles moving at different speeds would help to improve traffic flow, increase the average speed of traffic and reduce emissions resulting from sub-optimal speeds. Such segregated paths would be useful not only along arterials to enable full trips using NMT, but also as a means of improving access to major public transport stations. Such access paths, coupled with safe and convenient bicycle parking places, would also definitely contribute towards increasing the use of public transport. Providing creative facilities like shade giving landscaping, provision of drinking water and resting stations along bicycle corridors would also be encouraged as they can mitigate, to a large extent, adverse weather conditions. The use of the central verge along many roads, along with innovatively designed road crossings, seems to offer promise for being developed as cycle tracks.
It has been the experience that many such cycle tracks and pedestrian paths do not get used as initially envisaged. However, a view has been that this is because these facilities are designed badly and without fully recognizing the limitations and problems faced by cyclists or pedestrians. It would, therefore, be essential that such facilities be constructed after an open debate on the designs with experts and the community that is expected to use them. It is expected that such public appraisal would lead to designs that enable greater use by the potential beneficiaries. Encroachment of footpaths too affects pedestrian safety adversely and requires strict enforcement coupled with public participation. Pedestrian safety is also adversely affected by the lack of safe crossing facilities at busy intersections of even high traffic corridors. Pedestrian safety should start from every individual who is sharing the road with others. Riding on footpath has become a nuisance in most Bengaluru roads where volume and capacity ratio has exceeded 1:1 proportion.
The urban development and planning agencies would give priority to the construction of cycle tracks and pedestrian paths in all cities to enhance safety and thereby enhance use of non-motorized modes. Cities should also be encouraged to explore the possibility of a public bicycle program, where people can rent a bicycle for use in specially designated areas. These initiatives will go a long way in reducing congestion on roads and making the city more livable.