MUMBAI: Urban planners, architects and transport experts came together on Friday to launch a major campaign - 'Cycle chala, City Bacha' with a vision to promote cycling, increase ridership post
lockdown and also focus on creating
cycling infrastructure within each of 24 civic wards in Mumbai.
For a more collaborative approach, the experts are in the process of appointing 24 '
bicycle councillors' (one from each ward) who will liaison at the grass-root level with BMC ward officers, relevant stakeholders and NGOs to create cycling infrastructure.
They will also encourage people to use cycles which are non-polluting and the best example of social distancing while travelling.
Cycling enthusiast Firoza Suresh, who is also referred as 'bicycle mayor' of Mumbai as part of an international NGO from
Netherlands which promotes cycling in various countries said, "We have received more than 100 applications for the 24 ward post of bicycle councillors. The selection criteria is stringent and all volunteers will need to have passion towards cycling and grit to achieve the vision to make Mumbai the cycling capital of India by 2030. They will work in each ward to push for the campaign on Cycle chala, City Bacha."
India has 44 bicycle mayors of which only three of them, including Firoza and other bicycle mayors from Bengaluru and Guwahati are promoting appointment of bicycle councillors at grassroot level.
Urban designer and cycling enthusiast Pranav Naik said, “The idea of bicycle councillors can be an integral part of improving the quality of life in Mumbai- a city with hyper-local problems needing localised solutions through people who know their terrain. As seen in every other part of the world, this new campaign will go a long way in bringing about positive change”.
NGOs, schools, colleges will be actively involved in the campaign, Firoza said.
"To engage with the masses, we have social media presence on Facebook and Instagram –
Cycle Chala City Bacha and have created fun engagements like Uncover Mumbai Photography Contest, about Cycling Clubs, choose the right bicycle, cycle training programs and other cycling related information," she said.
As cities look to ease the lockdown and provide safe, affordable and equitable modes of transport while ensuring physical social distancing, the need for cycling friendly cities is of utmost importance, she said.
Gautam Kirtane, one of the mentors for the campaign said, "Through the efforts of the bicycle councillors, we are confident that the campaign’ will successfully transform the landscape of cycling as a mode of transportation in Mumbai. Maximum city poses several challenges but presents equal opportunities for this initiative. A key asset will be the energy and enthusiasm of
Mumbaikars who are keen to contribute to a better tomorrow."