OPINION
Cycling: A Post COVID-19 Scenario
Ar. Priyanka Kumar Urban Planner
Shreya Mishra Intern
Ar. Priyanka Kumar is working as Urban Planner at Regional Centre for Urban and Environmental Studies (RCUES), Lucknow, under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India. Ms. Shreya Mishra is working as Intern with Ar. Priyanka Kumar at Regional Centre for Urban and Environmental Studies (RCUES), Lucknow. She holds bachelor degree in Architecture (B. Arch.).
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Our world is facing humanity’s biggest crisis. Almost every country has been affected by the disastrous Coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Billions of people have been suffering from the impact of the global pandemic of COVID-19. The pandemic-driven crisis is constantly changing; countries are desperate to flattening the curve for COVID-19. There are a number of possible futures, all dependent on how governments and society respond to coronavirus and it’s economic. The Covid-19 pandemic has brought new challenges for public transport also, as is evident; the country’s existing public transport infrastructure cannot meet current demand while also ensuring social distancing. Moreover, it is unrealistic to expect everybody to have access to private modes of transport. This is the time to develop an alternative commuting system. The capital of Colombia, Bogota, has converted 100 km of city streets into cycle lanes to reduce the load on its bus systems. Mexico is planning to quadruple its cycle network to reduce the pressure on its metro. Budapest, capital of Hungary, is creating cycle lanes as a safe alternative for the commute as the city has seen a 90% drop
in public transport use. There are stories everywhere of people switching from transit trips to cycling and e-scooters, where these modes are available. India may set thousands of examples towards it.Experts recommend a social distance of at least six feet between people, as well as reducing physical contact, to minimize the spread of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) and in public transport, it is tough to maintain. Cycling is a good way to maintain physical distancing and it is no less important to reduce traffic congestion, especially when traveling short distances. The adaptation of nonmotorized transport such as Cycling and making them more inclusive will allow people to avoid overcrowded transit modes and help maintain adequate social distancing. Cycling and walking also come with many health benefits. It does not only promote an active lifestyle but also improves mental health and strengthens the immune system if done under favourable circumstances. In the post-pandemic scenario, passengercarrying capacity is going to be reduced by social distancing norms in public transit systems as the overcrowding of these systems will pose a further risk of disease transmission. Increasing
SEPTEMBER 2020 // Urban Transport Infrastructure
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