In the developed cities, transport infrastructure occupies 15 to 20 percent of the total city area but in Kathmandu it is estimated to be below 5 percent. Kathmandu Valley could be developed as a pedestrian and cycling city. It just needs to develop basic infrastructure for cycling and pedestrian friendly structures. Some youths in Nepal have formed organization like Nepal cycle society, Cycling Club etc. to put pressure and encourage the government to promote cycling in the country. Cycling can be developed as an alternative mode of urban transportation.
A good city must be for all citizens. World class cities around the world are designed in a way that it is safe for all group of pedestrian and non-motorists. Most of the cities are built for cars as the city planners belong to the car rider group and they design a city to fit their requirement. This approach has resulted in the exponential increase in the road traffic and consequently caused frequent traffic congestions. As an option to decrease traffic congestion and achieve sustainable development, urban planners are focused on designing cities that is pedestrian and bicycle friendly. Once people start using bicycle for mobility, number of vehicles on roads decreases that will automatically ease traffic flow.
Bicycle is one of the most environmental friendly mode of transportation. It is ride with muscle power and is thus non-polluting. It occupies less space, is quieter, and also beneficial for health as well.
NYC Planning Department has ranked cycling among top three exercises for improving cardiovascular fitness. Regular cycling helps to lose weight, reduce stress, and improve fitness. It has double advantage of fitness and daily commute that people can reach their destinations while doing their daily workouts. Cycling is enjoyed by people from all age group and has also been used widely for recreation.
Cycling is an economic means of transportation. According to estimates by Transportation Alternatives, bicycle riding costs a frequent cyclist one-quarter as much as driving. Cycling requires good infrastructure that includes separate, safe and convenient bicycle lane, adequate bicycle parking, and interconnected bicycle networks.
A study has revealed that only 10% of the world’s population can afford a car while an estimated 80% of people can afford a bike. Bicycle is a healthy, cheap and environment friendly alternative to driving. Therefore, cities need to promote commuting by bicycle in to order to achieve sustainable development. But in practice, money was and still spent mainly on cars. For instance, in the German city of Freiburg, which has a strict cycling policy and where the bicycle’s share of the total number of journeys is 19%, the costs of bicycle facilities amount to just 1% of all the costs of traffic and transport amenities. There, 57% of investment has been made for car, which has a 42% share of all transport. In addition, 42% is spent on public transport, which has an 18% share (The Economic Significance of Cycling). Addition to this motorized vehicle have high external costs related to environment pollution, energy consumption, use of space and road casualties. Therefore, many countries have already promoted cycling to overcome these drawbacks of motorized transportation. Countries like China, Tanzania, Burkina Faso, the Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Peru and Cuba have well developed culture of cycling.
Nepal is one of the poorest countries in the world and lacks petroleum resources of its own. It has to depend on import from India. Petroleum is number one import item in Nepal. The adequate supply of petroleum is always a major challenge of the government of Nepal. Nepalese people often experience the petroleum crisis. Under these circumstances, promoting cycling would subsequently reduce the dependency on the petroleum.
Around 2000 people are killed annually in road accidents in Nepal. Use of bicycle would be helpful in reducing the traffic accidents as well. As more people would start using bicycle, the number of vehicle will decrease on the road. It will be helpful in enhancing traffic safety. Bicycles run with lower speed, its accident will only cause minor injuries unless bicycle collide with heavy vehicles. The bicycle is a safe means of transport in itself. A cyclist will rarely inflict fatal injuries. In Kathmandu Valley, a small section of people has already started using bicycles for commuting and recreation. People have realized that use of bicycle will benefit in terms of health, economy, and environment. Once basic requirements for cycling is fulfilled by the state, thousands of people will start commuting on bicycle. The government should immediately work out a plan to build separate bicycle lane and ensure basic safety to cycle. Cycling, walking and public transport improve the quality of life of the city.
Currently major roads of Kathmandu are being widened while some of them have already been expanded. If bicycle lanes are inserted in these sections, it will be a milestone for developing Kathmandu as a bicycle-friendly city. Not only the major roads but the entire road network needs proper bicycle lane to promote cycling. Improving safety of the cyclist is another major factor in promoting cycling. Kathmandu has about 2.3 km bicycle lane from Maitighar to Tinkune. This will not promote cycling because it has to be developed as a network.
Ashish Gajurel is Transportation and Trafffic Engineer (gajurelashish@gamil.com)
