Opposing the blanket ban imposed on bicycles and other forms of non-motorised transport (NMT) in the city, eminent social activist Medha Patkar today said such restrictions take away the right to life of poor people.
"A lot of poor people are dependent on non-motorised transport for their livelihood, such a ban in effect takes away their right to life," Patkar said at the Transport City Dialogue here through videoconferencing.
She said cycle and NMT were not a burden, but a mass transport system which was cheaper than the bus.
"It is absolutely wrong to take away the transport from the people who work hard for their living. A ban like this will further increase corruption," Patkar said .
The Kolkata Traffic Police had passed an order banning cycles, hand carts, pull carts, tri-cycles and other forms of NMTs from 174 major and minor streets in the metropolis.
Demanding the ban should be revoked, the Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) activist had earlier written to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee saying it was an "anti-poor and anti-working class step".
Anumita Roy Chowdhury of the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) said, "While the developed world is increasingly becoming aware of the perils of a car-driven society and making space for walking and cycling, our leaders can still not imagine life without a car while our people are struggling to find some space free from cars".
Dr Geetam Tiwari of IIT Delhi, said the ban on cycles and non-motorised vehicles was totally against any agenda of sustainable transport.
"Today not only in India, but also in other countries, the issue of local pollution, global pollution and health of people are a concern. A lot of cities within India are thinking of introducing cycles and encouraging cycling. Its like moving backwards, instead of moving ahead taking into account today's concerns," he added.
