Cyclists miffed with lack of progress on dedicated cycling lanes

MYSURU: In the wake of the launch of India’s first Public Bicycle Sharing (PBS) system ‘Trin Trin’ in Mysuru, demand among citizens for dedicated cycling lanes in the city has only been rising. While the district administration did announce a dedicated cycling lane on Mirza Road, the project is no closer to fruition today than it was a year ago, when it was proposed. Cyclists are understandably unhappy with the delay.
The proposal states that cycle lanes would be built on either side of Mirza Road, which runs from the police commissioner’s office junction and R Gate. The proposal also included repair of the road. However, work on the road was stalled. Cyclists across the city are miffed with the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) not having started work on dedicated lanes on several thoroughfares across the city.

Residents close to Mirza Road pointed out that, while the condition of the road was improved, pavements running along the side of the road were in poor shape. “Besides laying boulders, no work has been done in connection with the dedicated cycling lane,” said Subramanya, a resident, who walks along Mirza Road daily.

Citing a detailed project report prepared by the Directorate of Urban Land Transport (DULT), cyclist Naveen Krishnan told TOI, “Several cycling lanes were proposed in the city. A report was prepared on non-motorised transit infrastructure facilities in the city. But, the agencies concerned need to start work on these lanes. I wish they start work on these dedicated lanes soon.”

Krishnan also urged MCC and DULT not to lose interest in issues pertaining to cycle lanes. “PBS can become a successful module if the MCC creates more cycle lanes near heritage spots in the city. However, following the announcement of the election, and transfer of officials who were interested in ‘Trin Trin’, the project has lost momentum,” he added.

Meanwhile, MCC officials said that they would look into the reasons for the delay in construction of dedicated cycle lanes.