Hyderabad: Wanna pedal to power lungs, face horror on squatter street

HYDERABAD: The city still has miles to go before it becomes ‘cycle-friendly’, even though there are dedicated cycle tracks at several places.
As the city’s cyclists gear up to observe World Bicycle Day (June 3), TOI joined a couple of enthusiasts to pedal through some of the busiest routes. The ride was anything but easy.

Despite a dedicated cycle track, pedalling from KBR Park to Jubilee Hills Checkpost during peak hour traffic was a nightmare not worth revisiting.
The ‘Keep Clear’ boards near the cycle tracks gave no protection as two-wheelers honked and muscled their way past hapless cyclists following their dedicated lanes.
“This is the norm and we often get yelled at for ‘blocking’ them when we are seeking a small space on the road. Even though we are pedalling, they continue to honk even in slow-moving traffic,” said Akhil Rao Chennamaneni of Hyderabad Cycling Revolution who took TOI along for the ride.
Prathapa R Avva, who was also part of the short cycling journey, found himself stuck behind vehicles blocking his free left at Jubilee Hills Checkpost junction.
As cyclists ride on the extreme left, they are affected the most by drivers coming on the wrong side. Also, another major hurdle for cyclists is the lack of dedicated parking.
“A few malls have spaces for cycles but most places don’t have it. We as a cycling organisation have pursued business establishments but there is a long way to go,” Akhil added. Cyclists from Hyderabad Cyclist Group (HCG) said that even the parking set up for cycles is often encroached by other vehicles.