BSCL to upgrade cycling infra to win Centre’s Cycles4Change challenge

Bhubaneswar: The Union ministry of housing and urban affairs’ ‘Cycles4Change Challenge’ for Smart Cities, part of the government’s Covid-19 response, has given the Bhubaneswar Smart City Limited (BSCL) the perfect opportunity to improve the capital’s cycling culture.
Depending on the feedback provided by the cities on a portal to be launched on July 10, ten Smart Cities will be chosen to receive help from the Centre on upgrading their cycling infrastructure. The cities will also receive reward of Rs 1 crore.
In order to be chosen, Bhubaneswar’s smart city administration has decided to upgrade the city’s cycling infrastructure and involve citizens in deciding policy on non-motorized transport.
“Bhubaneswar already has good infrastructure for cyclists. We have dedicated tracks and enough bicycles to provide on rent. The lockdown has encouraged many people to opt for cycling, especially when public and private transport systems came to a halt,” BSCL general manager (admin) Kamaljit Das said.
The topic of improving cycling infrastructure also came up in the last meeting of the BSCL’s board of directors. “The authorities are working on plans to improve infrastructure and it will be done on time,” Das added.
The central challenge for Smart Cities asks the local administration to open bicycle clinics where the two-wheelers can be repaired for free. It also asks the Smart Cities to open training centres in every neighbourhood where people can learn how to ride a cycle.
“There is obviously a craze for cycling but there are challenges too. Government enforcement plays a major role in safeguarding cyclists on crowded roads,” urban planner Piyush Rout said. He added that the city authorities must focus more on popularising cycling among residents.