Chennai to soon get cycling lanes as part of CUMTA’s Comprehensive Mobility Plan

Soon, cycling across Chennai will get smoother and safer; the city is set to get exclusive cycling lanes, with the Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (CUMTA) focusing on cycling infrastructure as part of its Comprehensive Mobility Plan.

The Comprehensive Mobility Plan, a report that examines ways to make commute seamless for city residents switching between different modes of transport, also recommends sustainable transport solutions.

“We have given importance to the creation of cycling infrastructure and clusters in the city so that it provides a secure environment for those who pursue it as a hobby as well as those who travel everyday for work. We have particularly focused on areas around educational institutions so that students can cycle back and forth to and from their residence,” an official of CUMTA says.

Eleven areas, including Triplicane, T. Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Mogappair, Red Hills, Perambur, Vyasarpadi, Vepery, Poonamallee, Guduvanchery, and Kanchipuram have been identified for the development of cycling infrastructure loops, covering 46 km of roads in total, the official says. This apart, dedicated cycling lanes have been proposed along 156 km of new roads planned in the Chennai Metropolitan Area and along East Coast Road, where recreational cycling is common, he adds.

‘A welcome move’

Ramkumar B. of Chennai Cyclists, a part of the OMR-ECR chapter, who regularly cycles along with his family, says, post COVID-19, many took to cycling, especially along ECR, not just as a recreational activity but also as a way of prioritising their health and wellness. “At present, it feels risky to cycle along ECR and OMR, with autos, heavy vehicles, cars, and two-wheelers indulging in rash driving. So, dedicated cycling lanes are a welcome move, and it would benefit hundreds of people,” he adds.

Mugilan K., a member of Chennai Cyclists, Tondiarpet chapter, says he has noticed a significant decline in the number of cyclists — those who cycle for passion as well as those who use it for regular commute — in the last two years. This stems from unsafe conditions owing to damaged roads in several areas, reduced road width, congestion, and encroachments.

“The lack of exclusive lanes is one of the primary reasons many have dropped out of this activity. When such lanes come up in areas like Red Hills, Vyasarpadi, or Perambur, more will take to it, not just as a leisure activity but also as a mode of transport,” he adds.