Thane corp starts work on construction of 25km track for cyclists

THANE: The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) is working on constructing a 25-km-long cycle track in the city for cycling enthusiasts.
According to the plans, the tracks will be constructed only in Thane city presently and based on its popularity the plan may be extended to other parts of the city, said officials.

The tracks will be developed along existing roads adjoining the footpaths at Pokhran, Wagle Estate, Devdaya Nagar, station area and Gladys Alwares Road to name a few.

The tracks will be around three-12 feet wide to allow passage of a standard dimension bicycle in both directions on select roads and the maximum length in each of the areas would be 3.5km. These dedicated lanes will be connected to public transport hubs in the respective areas.

Cycle stands will be constructed in particular areas to facilitate residents to minimise the use of autos or other mode of transport for short journeys.

Thane civic commissioner Sanjeev Jaiswal and other officials, who reviewed the progress of the work in the city recently said, the tracks will be ready for use mostly by December this year. The initiative is part of the Rs 28 crore pedestrain-friendly initiative undertaken under the smart city project.

The lanes will be open for cyclists using their own cycles or even those rented from civic body’s rent-a-cycle project.

Civic officials said they were positive the dedicated lanes would help attract more users as the project had initially failed to garner the desired response with several potential users shying away claiming lack of safety gear and dedicated lanes.

“We are distinguishing these dedicated cycle lanes with a different colour and bollards. They will be linked to the two points without any interruptions midway. Also, care will be taken to ensure that vehicles are not parked on these tracks. We will also depute personnel to ensure the lanes are obstacle-free at all points,” said a civic official.