Hyderabad: Cyclists in Hyderabad are facing a growing number of accidents on the city’s roads. According to data from the union ministry of road transport, nearly 100 accidents involving bicycles have been reported between 2019 and 2022. These accidents have resulted in the death of 14 cyclists and left 86 others injured.
Traffic planning and engineering expert TS Reddy has highlighted the lack of dedicated cycling infrastructure in the city. He stated that only 6% of Hyderabad’s area is allocated to roads, leaving no space for cyclists. “There are very few cycling tracks in the city, and they pass through busy traffic areas. Cycling tracks should be built in areas with minimal traffic,” Reddy explained.
N Kranthi Kumar, a cyclist from Begumpet, expressed his concern over the absence of dedicated lanes or tracks for cycling in the city. He admitted feeling scared to ride his bicycle on the roads due to the fast-moving traffic. Kumar believes that the presence of proper cycling tracks would encourage more people to use bicycles for shorter distances.
The lack of cycling infrastructure in Hyderabad poses a significant risk to cyclists’ safety and discourages the use of bicycles as a mode of transportation. It is crucial for the government and local authorities to address this issue by investing in the development of cycling tracks and lanes that are separate from vehicular traffic.
In related news, the city of Pune has implemented traffic diversions near Rajaram bridge on Sinhagad Road to facilitate ongoing flyover work. Vehicle users heading towards Dhayari via Rajaram bridge will not be allowed to make a right turn to Sinhagad Road. Similarly, vehicle users on Sinhagad Road wanting to turn right towards Rajaram bridge will be required to travel a few meters ahead and then make a U-turn, followed by a left turn towards the bridge.
Additionally, eight people were killed and seven others injured in a tragic road accident in Keonjhar, Odisha. The accident occurred when a minibus collided with a parked truck on NH-20. The victims were traveling to Ghatagaon to offer prayers at Maa Tarini shrine.
On the occasion of World Sustainable Transport Day, the Sao Lourenco village panchayat in Agasaim paid tribute to road accident victims. The event included a candlelight walk and a session on road safety. It aimed to raise awareness about responsible and safe road practices and promote collaborative efforts to improve road safety within the community.