New Delhi in the List of 10 “Cycling Pioneers” Cities

New Delhi area, which is under the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC)’s jurisdiction, is among the top 25 smart cities in the country that have cycle-friendly infrastructure, according to a report released by the union housing and urban affairs (HUA) ministry.

BY Realty Plus
Published - Monday, 02 Aug, 2021

New Delhi in the List of 10 “Cycling Pioneers” Cities

New Delhi area, which is under the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC)’s jurisdiction, is among the top 25 smart cities in the country that have cycle-friendly infrastructure, according to a report released by the union housing and urban affairs (HUA) ministry. While 11 cities, including Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Rajkot, etc. were adjudged top cities for their initiatives, New Delhi finds mention in the list of 10 “cycling pioneers” cities. Durga Shanker Mishra, secretary HUA ministry, said, “2020 ignited India’s cycling revolution. Cities and citizens joined hands for the first time, to test, learn, and scale up ideas to become cycling havens. The results have been resounding: more people are cycling; city officials and public representatives are leading by example—cycling to work—and we are backing the city’s efforts with investments.” In New Delhi, the NDMC roped in the artist community in creating a vibrant cycling plaza. As part of the challenge, the NDMC conducted a week-long pilot to demonstrate and test a 6km-long corridor from India Gate to Lodhi Colony. The civic body roped in artists to paint the streets in a neighbourhood, Lodhi Colony, to create a vibrant cycling plaza. Last year, while the coronavirus disease brought cities to a halt, there was a surge in the number of people cycling in cities when the lockdown restrictions were relaxed. Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP) is the knowledge partner with the ministry in its Cycle4Change challenge. In the next phase of the challenge, these 25 cities will take the idea of a cycling-friendly city by adopting policies, setting up dedicated departments and creating city-wide plans.