Cycling used to be considered a crazy idea in Kohima, a hilly city with narrow streets in northeast India. Nowadays, riding a bike is a fashion statement, according to the official leading local efforts to champion pedal power. A survey undertaken by 50 cities ahead of the government's cycling challenge, found speeding vehicles, traffic congestion and pothole-riddled roads deterred residents from riding a bike. TIME FOR CHANGEUnder the federal initiative, more than 100 cities were encouraged to test quick and low-cost methods to promote cycling - from bike sharing to cycling clinics, no car Sundays and cycle-to-work programmes. "COVID-19 also does all the wrong things for public transport, with safe distancing not really possible," he added.

Source: Mint July 07, 2021 09:22 UTC