KATHMANDU, July 28:Bicycle riders of the Kathmandu Valley have a reason to cheer as the government is building cycle lanes on either side of two of the newly-widened road stretches. But the Valley is still a long way from becoming a cycle city.
In April 2012, Cycle City Network Nepal (CCNN), an organization of cyclists of the Kathmandu Valley, had submitted memorandum to concerned authorities like Department of Road (DoR), Kathmandu Valley Town Development Committee (KVTDC), Ministry of Physical Planning and Works (MoPPW) and Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) for construction of cycle lanes along the newly constructed roads of the Valley.
They had also handed over a bicycle to then Prime Minister Baburam Ram Bhattarai in a gesture of protest against the government´s reluctance toward constructing cycle lanes. Though Bhattarai had assured them of building cycle lanes, no initiatives were taken by his government.
“The present government has started to address our demand,” says Sailendra Dangol, Vice-President of the CCNN. “It is a good start and will help promote cycling in the Kathmandu Valley.”
According to the DoR, they will begin with constructing cycle lanes in two places of Kathmandu. First of the two lanes will be built between Tinkune and Maitighar. The 2600 meter stretch will have a 2.5 meter wide cycle lane on both sides.
Another one will be built along the 1300 meter road between Kalimati and Balkhu. In lack of space, the road section will have only 1.5 meter wide lanes on either side.
The government has yet to conduct a detailed study on the possibility of having cycle lanes all across the Kathmandu Valley.
“We are all set to construct two cycle lanes,” says Shyam Kharel, head of the Kathmandu Valley Road Improvement Project. “We will think about constructing more cycle lanes after the two lanes are built.”
According to Kharel, it is not possible to construct cycle lanes along all road sections because most roads of the Kathmandu Valley are not wide enough to accommodate cycle lanes.
“First we have to think about the spaces for pedestrians then only for cycle lanes,” says Kharel.
While the DoR is all set to start the construction work, cyclists are not so much satisfied with the decision. According to the cyclists, in absence of connected cycle lanes across the Kathmandu Valley, the upcoming cycle lanes would appear as symbolic steps.
“We are happy that the government is finally building cycle lanes,” says Dangol. “But just two cycle lanes will not make much difference for cyclists.”
According to Dangol, cycle lane must be connected with each other so that cyclists would not have to face troubles while crossing roads.
“The government should construct cycle lanes in different places and make sure that they are connected with each other,” says Dongol. “Cycling in Kathmandu has become very difficult and risky, so more cycle lanes should be constructed in the capital.”
Likewise, the Chinese government that is helping in the expansion of Kalanki-Koteshwar section of the ring road, under Kathmandu Ring Road Improvement Project (KRRIP), has agreed to construct a cycle lane along the 10.39 km road.
“All the skilled laborers and technicians would be brought in from China for the cycle lane construction,” says Ashok Tiwari, project manager of KRRIP. “Even the equipments to be used in the construction will be brought from China.”
According to the census-2011 report, 32.38 percent of people across the country own bicycles. And, in the Kathmandu Valley, 29.35 percent own bicycles. So, it will be good news for the cyclists of the Kathmandu Valley. But they are a bit dissatisfied with the government decision as they had hoped for more cycle lanes at different places like around Tundikhel, New Baneshwar, Old Baneshwor, among others.
Bhusan Tuladhar
An urban environment management specialist, Tuladhar often rides a cycle and actively supports the idea of developing Kathmandu as a cycle-friendly city. Republica spoke to him to know his view on the government´s efforts to build new cycle lanes in Kathmandu.
Do you see the building of two cycle lanes as positive step toward developing Kathmandu into a cycle-friendly city?
Building just a few cycle lanes is not enough. But, it is definitely a sign of improvement. In a bid to develop Kathmandu as a cycle-friendly city, more cycle lanes must be constructed.
If cycle lanes are not connected, wouldn´t people be discouraged to ride cycles?
Yes. People do not ride cycles if they have to cross a busy road to go from one cycle lane to another. So, cycle lanes should not be disconnected from one another. For example, if a cyclist needs to cross the road at Tinkune, what will he do? The DoR should think about it.
What should the government do to encourage more people to ride cycles?
The government should give continuity to such work. And also manage different things which are necessary to make a road cycle friendly in true manner. Like there is no parking space for cycles at big super markets, movie halls, among others.
Why is it important for people to ride cycles in Kathmandu?
It is very important because Kathmandu is a compact city. People do not have to travel big distance here, so cycle is a good medium of transportation and the weather of this city is also cycle-friendly. And we all are aware of other important factors like it keeps us healthy, it saves our money and it is environment-friendly.
Has the general people´s perception about cycle riders changed over time?
Not completely. But yes, their perception is changing with time. It is also because of the renowned people taking to cycling in their daily lives.
Is it safe for people to ride cycles in the Kathmandu Valley under existing conditions?
It is not safe at all. I do not allow my daughter to ride cycle in the Kathmandu Valley. First thing, there are not enough cycle lanes here and other vehicles tend to fail to notice cycles.
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