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| Tuesday, 15 June 2004 |
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Cycling towards a pollution-free Lanka by Chandani Jayatilleke In the modern world, cycling is somewhat of a passion and many people take to cycling as a method of exercising to burn those pads of fat round their waists.
Why is cycling not popular in the cities? It is due to many reasons: congested roads mean that there is less space for cyclists and their safety is compromised, high level of pollution in the cities, lack of cycle stands and safe parking facilities and no proper cycling lanes or traffic signs. For a developing country like Sri Lanka, where there is no quality public transport system, cycling is an ideal way to travel to workplaces and specially to travel short distances. But, at present cycling on a local road network, can prove fatal due to heavy traffic, as we do not have any road traffic policies and facilities as far as cyclists are concerned. Traffic congestion is caused mainly by the lack of space as a consequence of the increase in motor cars. Investing in infrastructure, and facilities for transport that require less space, such as cycling, walking and public transport is therefore the only solution for traffic congestion and air pollution. Many countries, especially in Europe have opted to establish cycling friendly policies and infrastructure, which has resulted in a vast improvement in the air quality and traffic flow in those cities. Unfortunately, we, Lankans always absorb Western policies and habits which have been discarded by them, but not something useful for our cultures and environs. The environs in many major towns in Sri Lanka are already polluted and passengers travelling to the city are forced to inhale the fumes generated by vehicles, apart from the frustration and time loss in traffic jams, they have to experience. According to statistics, about 60% of motorized vehicles in Sri Lanka are used in the Colombo district. Of this, 75% of the vehicle fleet is imported used vehicles. The increased use of motorised vehicles can be considered the major cause of traffic congestion and high fuel consumption. Statistics also reveal that pedestrians and non-motorised transport users make up a high percentage of traffic related deaths in Sri Lanka. Accordingly, pedestrians and cyclists' deaths account for nearly 70% of road accident deaths that occur in Sri Lanka. In 2003, a total of 2,096 people died from road accidents; 311 were cyclists, according to the Police Department. A. M. Sumanaweera, the former cycling champion, although now 56 years, continues to use his bicycle for travelling from his home in Ratnapura to the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation in Kolonnawa; where he works. However, so far little or no attention has been paid to the provision of bicycle paths and walkways for pedestrians when planning transport infrastructure. As a first step towards promoting cycling habits in Sri Lanka, Intermediate Technology Development Group has planned a mega cycle rally in September this year. This will involve the participation of over 3,000 cycle users from all sectors such as those who cycle to work and those who cycle for sport: vendors, disabled, tourists, defense forces and service providers. "We hope to invite some celebrities too, and get some floats to add glamour to the event. The cyclists will be entering Colombo city centre from three routes starting from Panagoda, Panadura and Katunayake and gather at the Viharamahadevi Park. Cyclists can join at different points along the routes. At the Viharamahadevi Park, there will be an exhibition and carnival, featuring the different aspects and benefits of cycling, various competitions and a musical show. We expect that this event would be able to attract large crowds," spokesperson for ITDG told the Daily News. Though this move towards making the city centres environmentally friendly, less congested, safe for pedestrians and cyclists is a challenge, the ITDG is confident that it can be achieved through a concerted effort. They could be encouraged to make more effective use of bicycles if safe parking facilities are provided at city centres. Currently, there are no such safe places for people to park their bicycles, motorcycles etc., near the railway stations or public bus stands, according to ITDG. What are the benefits of cycling? * Cycling is resource efficient, environmentally friendly and noiseless. * Cycling consumes less energy per passenger kilometre than any other form of transport. * Promotes fitness among cyclists as well as the health of non-cyclists. People who exercise on a regular basis are healthier and experience less fatigue. * Cycling in contrast to other exercises, can be incorporated into the daily routine such as using a bicycle to travel to work or for grocery shopping. * Bicycles are cheap to buy, maintain and are widely available. * It is less threatening to other road users compared to other vehicles.
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Produced by Lake House |
But for some others, cycling is a way of life - it's a mode of
transport. In Sri Lanka, the bicycle is known as 'the mode of conveyance
among the poor'. Sadly, it is not yet a popular mode of transport in Sri
Lanka, except in a few areas such as Jaffna.
