Tejas Navale

Pune: The much-touted initiative of Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) to create dedicated cycle tracks for citizens has hit a snag, leading to dissatisfaction among users. Numerous complaints have surfaced regarding the challenges faced by cyclists, ranging from uneven surfaces to obstacles like trees, benches, and lamp posts, prompting questions about the effectiveness of the initiative.

In an effort to promote eco-friendly transportation options for short distances, PCMC has constructed 75 kilometres of cycle tracks along various city roads. These tracks, designed for roads with widths of 45 metres or more, aim to encourage citizens to adopt cycling as a mode of transportation. Additionally, where road widths are narrower, PCMC has delineated cycle tracks with red stripes. Plans are underway to extend the network by another 50 kilometres.

Collaborating with the Smart City company, PCMC embarked on this significant undertaking, investing substantial funds into the project. However, despite the financial investment, the cycle tracks have become riddled with challenges, deterring cyclists from utilising them effectively.

Cyclists navigating these tracks have been complaining about numerous obstacles, including trees, benches, rocks, distribution panel (DP) boxes, lamp posts, and even parked vehicles. Moreover, encroachments by vendors further exacerbate the situation, impeding citizens' commuting experience and raising safety concerns.

The presence of such obstacles has resulted in accidents on the cycle tracks, prompting apprehension among users and officials alike. There is a growing sentiment that the project's expenditure may go to waste if timely action is not taken by PCMC to address these issues.

Speaking on it, Bapusaheb Gaikwad, an Executive Engineer of the Traffic Planning Department of PCMC, said, "The Municipal Corporation is dedicated to creating well-maintained 'cycle tracks' and footpaths so that citizens can safely travel on foot or on bicycles. Cycle tracks of 75 km have been made, and another 50 km stretch of 'cycle tracks' will be completed soon."