Cycling has myriad benefits shows study
In an experiment conducted by Pune based NGOs it has brought forth relevance of cycle as a transit mode in the city.
On the occasion of World Bicycle Day on June 3, NGOs – Save Pune Traffic Movement (SPTM) and Parisar conducted an experiment to find out how the bicycle fares as a mode of transit compared to the car. Simultaneous trips spanning around 100 kms across the city were made by car and bicycle during peak hours on three days to find out how the bicycle fares when compared to the car.
It was found that on average, a bicycle needs just 45 seconds – 1 minute more than a car to go 1 km. If your commute is 6 km, a car doesn’t save you more than 5-6 minutes as compared to a bicycle. Bicycles were only marginally slower than cars while benefiting thecity in other ways like reducing air pollution and congestion. It was observed that when the congestion was higher, the cycle was faster than the car.
Ashwini Sovani, who cycles often in the city to work said, “In a city like Pune, a bicycle is a very apt mode, especially for shorter trips, within 6-8 kms. Cycling is more cost effective and within a layperson’s reach”.
Mihir Deo who participated as a car driver said, “Being a cyclist myself, driving a car often makes me impatient due to delays caused bytraffic congestion. I have cycled in India and abroad and respect shown to the cyclists is more appropriate and so is good infrastructure.”
“While the Air Action Plan speaks of making cycle tracks and implementing the Pune Bicycle Plan made in 2016, actual implementation leaves a lot to be desired.” said Shweta Vernekar from Parisar NGO.
According to a recent emission inventory by IITM released in 2021, PM 2.5 emissions have increased by 70% in the last 7 years, and a 61% increase in PM 10 emissions in the same span.
Particulate matter is one of the most hazardous pollutants, which affects vital organs of our bodies like the lungs, heart, kidney and brain and causes health conditions like respiratory diseases, heart diseases, lung cancer and other cancers, mental disorders like anxiety, Alzheimers and so on.
“The Comprehensive Mobility Plan of Pune, which aimed at increasing the modal share of cycling from 9% to 25% has been sidelined, while more motor vehicle centric projects continue to fail in reducing congestion and pollution.This study was an attempt to bring back focus on the bicycle as a great mode of transport, especially for short distances, within 5 kms. With better infrastructure for cyclists, more people can be encouraged to use bicycles, ” informed Harshad Abhyankar from Save Pune Traffic Movement.