Cycling fanatics set to provide 600 cycle stands in Mumbai!

24 bicycle councillors, one from every 24 wards of the city have assigned 25 locations that will lead to 600 cycle stands in Mumbai.

Heavy traffic, humongous crowd and number of vehicles with no movement is a common scene on the roads of Mumbai, especially during office hours. Recognizing it as a major problem in the city, a citizens initiative, 'Cycle Chala City Bacha' has geared up to provide 600 cycle stands in Mumbai.

The initiative has been taken in view to make Mumbai the bicycle capital of India in the coming years. The Bicycle Mayor of Mumbai, Firoza Suresh, along with 24 bicycle councillors from each ward of the city are working on the proposal.

"The major reason behind the huge rush in Mumbai is the reluctance of people in using cycles to work," Ms. Suresh said. She also added that it is important for people to see cycles as a "mode of transportation". "People have always used cycles for fun, fitness, and other activities. But to minimize the congestion in infrastructure, the conversation around "cycle to work" is important," Ms. Suresh said.

Citizen's role in the proposal

Cycle Chala City Bacha' has also opened the suggestions on cycle stands for cycle enthusiasts. The organization has put up a form for citizens on its social media to ensure active participation. Firoza Suresh, who has been cycling to work since 2013, said that the responses on the forms have been great so far.

The team is ready to send the proposal to the Mayor of Mumbai in the coming days. After that, the local officials will visit the locations for bicycle stands. "Allocating budget after monitoring the cycle stands is a difficult task. Yet, we are hopeful to overcome all difficulties to meet the city's demand for cycling," Ms. Suresh said.

After the implementation of the project, the team will convey the geo locations to the citizens of the stands. However, signage will be set up for the people who do not have the access to mobile phones.

The bicycle Mayor is also planning to send the proposal for a "car-free day" which will be observed once a month. "We have included nine locations in Mumbai where only cyclists and peddlers will be allowed. It's high time to give something back to the environment!" she said.

Instagram: Cycle Chala City Bacha

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