Cop study on use of Howrah Bridge walkways as cycle lanes

Kolkata: The Kolkata Police and the Howrah Police carried out a first ever joint study since the Covid pandemic to decide whether it would be feasible to allow the movement of cycles on Howrah Bridge’s both flanks of pedestrian walkways until the resumption of local train services. The study came after a spurt in the number of cycles plying on the bridge after local trains topped running and the suburban commuters shifted to two-wheelers as the safest mode of travel.Traffic cops have already ruled out the chance of coming up with dedicated cycle lanes or channels on the road because of its insufficient width.
The Howrah bridge traffic guard cops proposed to use a section of the footpath for the cycle movement, according to sources. “There are not many pedestrians using the bridge now. Once train services resume, we can revoke the decision,” said an officer. However, Howrah police said there was a practical problem in implementing the plan. “While cyclists can easily get on the bridge from the Kolkata side, getting off on the Howrah station side is difficult because there are iron blockades. It will be difficult for too many cycles to pass through at one point of time,” said an officer.
“It is easier said than done. For our plan to be successful, it is also important that we promote safe riding. We might allow only staggered flow of cycles during peak hours and ensure every cyclist has the provision for reflectors,” said sources. Lalbazar sources said a new bicycle movement plan is being readied on the bridge following ground realities.