SHIMLA: The capital city is gearing up to embrace cycling with dedicated lanes, much to the delight of cyclists and eco-lovers who bat for reducing the carbon footprints in the city.
But will we leave some breathing space for our wildlife and biodiversity in the city?
Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap, in a meeting here today with the Himachal Pradesh Cycling Association, outlined plans to develop cycling lanes across the city.
The first phase will cover key routes from CTO Chowk to Summer Hill, Ritz to Navbahar, and Shimla Club to Chhota Shimla, backed by a detailed survey conducted by the Municipal Corporation.
While this is big news for cycling enthusiasts, concerns have emerged.
The proposed lane between Shimla Club and Chhota Shimla is a popular pedestrian route, and many locals fear the cycling lanes might interfere with pedestrian safety.
Will walkers and cyclists be able to share this limited space safely?
Apart from this, environmental concerns are mounting.
If the construction of these lanes involves cutting into the hillsides, there’s a real risk of triggering fresh landslides.
Shimla has been hit by severe landslides in 2023 and 2024 due to heavy rains, and any disturbance to the fragile hills could worsen the situation.
These questions are yet to be fully addressed.
However, Kashyap also proposed the creation of cycling trails in the city’s surrounding forests, including Glen, Potters Hill, Tutikandi, and Jakhu, to combine adventure cycling with tourism.
But again creation of these trails will interfere with the nature trails which are used by the trekkers and nature lovers.
For we also need some human interference-free nature where we can expect to support wildlife and biodiversity in the Shimla's depleting forests.
We can't allow entire space of the limited forests of Shimla to be used for trekkers, cyclists and the like.
DC directed the forest department to identify old pedestrian paths that could be converted into trails.
In another step forward, the Youth Services and Sports Department has signed an MoU with the Sports Authority of India to develop cycling trails and a hostel at Potters Hill.
A follow-up meeting is planned to discuss these developments further.
Kashyap emphasized the importance of promoting cycling in schools and colleges, where it’s safe, to instill a cycling culture among students.
While cycling lanes are being hailed as a partial solution to traffic woes, a boost for tourism, and a greener, healthier way of life, the safety of both pedestrians and the environment remains a searching concern.
We can't throw away entire urban Forest in promotion of cycling, trekkers trains or so. Our Bioversity is also of Supreme importance.
Readers' Comments:
Traditionally Shimla is a walkers’ paradise.
Even now you can spot a few youngsters recklessly cycling on sealed and restricted roads. Once license is given, the recklessness is bound to increase and surely cases of injury to pedestrians by the cyclists will increase manifolds.
There are instances when elderly hit by a mechanised or other two wheelers like a cycle couldn’t survive. It shall be a blunder to officially permit cycling on sealed and restricted routes.
There is hardly any scope to provide a cycle lane by cutting the mountains.
The cyclists will encroach upon the main road sooner than later.
However developing special tracks for them in forest area would be a great idea-
Rakesh Sharma(IAS Retd)
