Activists have come out against the blanket ban on cycling in Kolkata, saying that the decision is regressive and will harm the environment, affect the livelihood of poor people and add to the transport woes of the already-congested city.
"Kolkata is going regressive. We should discourage private motor vehicles and encourage all forms of public transport," said Anumita Roychowdhury from the Centre for Science and Environment, New Delhi.
Instead of banning cycling, Kolkata should create spaces for walking and cycling like all other modern cities world over, she said.
Bani Ghosh, Secretary of West Bengal Cyclists' Association, said, "When the world is encouraging a greener earth and promoting non-polluting modes of transportation, why are we moving in the opposite direction by enforcing a ban on cycling in Kolkata?"
Under the West Bengal Traffic Regulation Act of 1965, the Kolkata police have barred bicycles from 174 thoroughfares, a blanket ban in effect, from August this year.
The ban includes cycles, cycle vans, handcarts, pull-carts and bakery vans.
The Central government also gives priority to the construction of cycle tracks and pedestrian paths in all cities under the National Urban Transport Policy to enhance safety and thereby promote use of non-motorised modes, Ghosh said.
Delhi has been at the forefront of this with the Delhi Master Plan 2021 recommending cycle tracks for all roads, he said.
