|
|
 |
 |
 |
| Tuesday, 21 September 2004 |
 |
|
 |
Features | |
| News Business Features Editorial Security Politics World Letters Sports Obituaries
|
Vigorous push for cycling habit by Chandani Jayatilleke
Sri Lankan cyclists from all corners of the country will launch a campaign to promote the cycling habit and to demand cyclists' rights in the form of a mega cycle rally on October 16. Organised by the Intermediate Technology Development Group (ITDG), an NGO promoting small technologies among the rural communities, the rally will begin from two locations, Katubedda and Jaela, and reach its final destination at the Viharamahadevi Park in Colombo. Hundreds of cycle-lovers, besides the country's top cyclists, are expected to take part in this promotion, according to ITDG. "We expect to involve 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. There will be some celebrities too. Cyclists can join at different points along the routes," a spokesperson for ITDG said. Cycling is a pastime of many people in the country while hundreds of people use it in an income earning industry. A bicycle can usually carry two people or about 50 kilograms. In Sri Lanka, the bicycle is known as 'the mode of conveyance among the poor'. However, it is not yet a popular method of transport in Sri Lanka, except in a few areas such as Jaffna. Bicycles are an environmentally-friendly form of transport. Clean, attractive, cities are emerging in Europe and the US where access is allowed to pedestrians and cyclists only. There are many reasons why cycling is not popular in Sri Lanka. Some of the reasons include; congested roads and less space for cyclists, their safety is compromised, high level of pollution in towns, lack of cycle stands and safe parking facilities and no proper cycling lanes or traffic signs. 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 to the traffic congestion and air pollution. At a time, when the country's transport system is not satisfactory, the authorities could easily promote cycling as a common transport mode. It's unfortunate that this idea has not gained prominent focus as yet. "It's the ideal way to travel to workplaces and specially to travel short distances. But, as at present cycling on a local road network, can be a fatal experience due to heavy traffic, as we do not have any road traffic policies and facilities as far as cyclists are concerned," says a spokesperson for ITDG. Many developed countries have applied this strategy with proper guidelines and facilities for the cyclists. This has resulted in less pollution and improved air quality. The environs in many major towns in Sri Lanka are already polluted and passengers travelling to the city are forced to inhale fumes generated by vehicles, apart from the frustration and time loss in traffic jams, they have to experience. About 60% of the 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 is the major cause for 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, pedestrian and cyclists' death accounts for nearly 70% of the road accident deaths that occur in Sri Lanka. In 2003, a total of 2,096 persons had died in road accidents; 311 were cyclists. The spokesperson said that their effort is to convince the authorities that cyclists deserve a better deal. "First of all, there should be cycling friendly policies and better infrastructure and there is also a need to see cycling as a viable choice." She added that a commitment to this end will contribute towards a proper transport system in the country. However, cyclists should also gear themselves to take up this challenge and educate themselves on various road and safety methods, get proper cycles with signal and parking lights. Today, many bicycles do not have the tail light - the light which should be on when cycling at night. Therefore, cyclists themselves have a major responsibility towards this mission. Those who are interested could get more information from Colombo's ITDG office on 2852149 and 2829414. |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
Produced by Lake House |
