Cycling loses track in Kochi city, paths encroached

Kochi: Authorities had introduced cycling tracks in the city in 2021 with much fanfare under the Cochin Smart Mission Ltd (CSML) project to help Kochites get healthier and reduce pollution. However, a few years later, most tracks are now inaccessible to cyclists due to poor maintenance, vehicles parked and people strolling on them.

Cycling tracks were set up on Park Avenue Road, Shanmukham Road, Abraham Madamakkal Road and Panampilly Nagar with dedicated lanes, marked distinctly in green paint. But presently, they remain notably empty and underutilised.

Felix Augustine, an international cyclist, draws a stark contrast between European cycling havens and the city's chaotic roads. "Recently, I completed a 4,200-km cycling event — ‘Northscape 4000' from Italy to Norway. Throughout the ride, I never witnessed a hindrance or accident, contrary to what I experience in Kerala during every ride. Here, more than having civic sense, people consider driving a competition. Cars, bikes and autos come from every direction, leaving pedestrians and cyclists confused," he said.

Two years ago, authorities announced that delineators would be installed on bicycle lanes of smart roads in the city to prevent other vehicles being parked on them. But promises remain just that.

Rajith Rathiyappan, a local cycling enthusiast, said, "Cycling is dead. We don't have proper space for it in the city, and the designated areas are either too small or blocked by parked vehicles."

Saji Mathew, of a collective Bicycle Riders Kochi, said, "We avoid taking Metro routes. The already small roads were narrowed down to build footpaths and cycling tracks. Now, vehicles can hardly move along the roads. Many are parked on pedestrian walkways. Also, every driver is in a hurry."

The elongated cycle path that was built along Queen's Walkway has now been converted into a footpath, it is learned. Cyclists are forced to move onto secluded roads outside the city centre.

Besides cycling enthusiasts, local residents too expressed apprehensions over the track's condition. "I pass this walkway every morning. I come here to take a bus to work. I see vehicles parked on the green-painted cycle tracks. Nobody questions them, nobody is held accountable," said Rekha Nair, a resident of Variyam Road.

CSML has washed its hands over the situation, saying they were only responsible for setting up the cycle tracks in selected areas. "We were approved for constructing more cycle tracks along smart roads across the city. Though we proposed more numbers at several locations such as Banerjee Road and Durbar Hall Road, govt rejected them after discussions," said a CSML spokesperson.

(With inputs from Tejasvi Ramesh)