Pune: The city traffic police have been implementing one-ways on prominent roads in the city to channelize traffic flow but the preliminary draft of the comprehensive bicycle master plan for Pune (2017) has recommended dismantling of one-ways and introduction of two-way traffic to ensure safer cycling.
The draft has suggested that one-way roads are not safe and friendly for cyclists and pedestrians and has recommended that one-way roads with more than two traffic lanes can be converted into two-way roads with cycle tracks on each side.
Sources in the traffic police department pointed out that the draft plan has mentioned that the centrally located Jangli Maharaj Road and Fergusson College Road, which presently have one-way traffic flow, can be converted into two-ways. Sources said that though the recommendation claims that converting of roads into two-ways would provide safer rides for bicycles, it will pose a huge challenge for traffic police to manage the traffic if one-ways are converted into two-ways. "One-way traffic on JM and FC road was introduced 10 years ago. Both roads are located in city's central areas. The entire traffic system in the area will have to be redrawn if the traffic flow on both roads is converted into two-ways," said a senior official from the traffic police department.
A PMC official said that the plan was still being finalised and it also requires a nod from the general body. The plan will be taken up for implementation after getting due permission. The administration will try to find a middle path to protect the interest of cyclists and vehicle users.
The draft has suggested that one-way roads are not safe and friendly for cyclists and pedestrians and has recommended that one-way roads with more than two traffic lanes can be converted into two-way roads with cycle tracks on each side.
Sources in the traffic police department pointed out that the draft plan has mentioned that the centrally located Jangli Maharaj Road and Fergusson College Road, which presently have one-way traffic flow, can be converted into two-ways. Sources said that though the recommendation claims that converting of roads into two-ways would provide safer rides for bicycles, it will pose a huge challenge for traffic police to manage the traffic if one-ways are converted into two-ways. "One-way traffic on JM and FC road was introduced 10 years ago. Both roads are located in city's central areas. The entire traffic system in the area will have to be redrawn if the traffic flow on both roads is converted into two-ways," said a senior official from the traffic police department.
A PMC official said that the plan was still being finalised and it also requires a nod from the general body. The plan will be taken up for implementation after getting due permission. The administration will try to find a middle path to protect the interest of cyclists and vehicle users.
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