Change on two wheels

Smart Cities are highly advanced in terms of technology, infrastructure and resource consumption while ensuring their citizens’ safety and security along with ease of living. Their development seems to pave the way for a healthier and a more sustainable lifestyle. The ‘100 Smart Cities’ initiative led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has encouraged the country to help transform this vision into a reality. The word “smart” in this context refers to a more efficient city. Resource optimisation and sustainable development play the most important role in building a smart city, as well as in upgrading existing cities and maintaining a certain lifestyle. With effective collaboration between the government and citizens, India’s growth is likely to be unprecedented. With that growing realisation, alternative resources are being discovered and the focus is back on basic infrastructure to aid the convenience of citizens. Improved infrastructure means more homes and better conveyance, as well as better roads and an easier commute with easier inter- and intra-city transportation. In many places, the traffic scenario is improving and common congestion on the roads thinning out. Overall, however - with rising city populations and disposable incomes - the number of vehicles has gone up significantly, with millions of new cars hitting the roads every year. Better traffic management and pollution control is the need of the hour. Alternative mobility solutions that help keep these problems in check such as public transport, carpooling, e-bikes, hybrids and bicycles, among others, are being encouraged by the government. While all these alternatives have certain advantages, one must remember that a bicycle, in comparison, proves to be a more beneficial and suitable fit for a Smart City. Cycling addresses three main problems plaguing Indian cities as well as their citizens. The ‘per square metre’ and carbon footprint of bicycles are both much lesser than the commonly-used modes of transport in cities, hence, addressing congestion and pollution. Also, cycling addresses health concerns of the citizens of urban India, as it is a healthier mode of transport. Cycling helps reduce traffic due to its compact size, especially when complemented by ideas that optimise road spaces. Cycling doesn’t take up too much place, thus parking is never a hassle. The integration of bike lanes and bike parking in smart cities can help decrease congestion on roads, especially that which occurs due to the different speeds of different vehicles. Most smart cities in the world implement this policy to encourage the use of bicycles. Cycling is a low-impact exercise that can be enjoyed by people of all age groups. A sport like cycling not only boosts immunity but also has mental health benefits. Reducing one’s stress by simple physical exercise helps an individual’s growth itself. Cycling is growing as a part of daily activity these days. A sport that requires no special training, it helps boost overall fitness by incrweasing one’s strength and endurance. It also helps in burning calories to deal with obesity, a growing health concern. Cycling is growing as a part of the urban Indian’s daily activity these days. This trend is mainly seen in metropolitan cities like Bangalore, Pune, Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Ahmedabad and growing Tier-2 cities like Nashik and Dehradun, to name a few. Says rider Arunit Utkarsh, “I cycle every morning, no matter how busy life gets. It has become a part of my daily life. Cycling helps me kick-off on a positive note, equipping me to take on the daily grind. I leave around six in the morning and return around 7:30 am, freshen up, get in a good breakfast and head out”. Another trend that has been observed is that it is not only youngsters but people in the age group of 35-50 that are taking a major interest in cycling. Sudhir Dodda, another cycling enthusiast, adds, “I find cycling the most effective and definitely the most fun way to exercise. Approaching the late 30s, cycling offers me an exercise option that is the best cardio workout besides having a lesser impact on my knees as compared to running”. A global phenomenon that is catching on, cycling is no longer a poor man’s ride nor is it just another piece of exercise equipment. It is, if anything, a smart resource in a smart city. Many Indian construction projects have demonstrated, through their simplicity, that efficient and green structures are not complex or high-tech. Achieving the 100 Smart Cities goal is not a difficult task but it requires participation from one and all. Infrastructure services define a civilised city. Public and private entities must come together to create smart, sustainable and long-term solutions to infrastructure problems. The creation of a self-sufficient, technologically-advanced and healthy India will ensure the country’s growth and also contribute to overall economic development. It is time to realise a bigger dream and pedal together toward a prosperous tomorrow.