Cyclists call for construction of dedicated lanes and better road infrastructure

Children participating in the Chennai Cycle Thiruvizha 2025 held in Chetpet on Sunday.
| Photo Credit: R. RAGU

Cyclists call for the construction of dedicated cycling lanes and better road infrastructure to promote safety of riders in Chennai and demanded government initiatives to sensitise heavy vehicle drivers on road safety.

Cyclists, who participated in the Chennai Cycle Thiruvizha 2025 at Madras Christian College School in Chetpet on Sunday, said cities, such as Hyderabad, had created dedicated cycling lanes to promote health and safety of cyclists.

Jayantha Sadhana, a cyclist who works with Franklin Templeton, said the government should take initiatives to improve road infrastructure in the city to promote the safety of cyclists. “A cyclist died in a road accident on Inner Ring Road from Maduravoyal to Tambaram. We need dedicated cycling lanes in Chennai and its suburbs. The surface of East Coast Road was milled a few weeks ago, and the relaying was delayed. This makes cycling difficult on the stretch. The risk of accidents on such stretches is high. A 23-km cycling track has been built in Hyderabad. Solar panels cover the stretch. We need such world-class cycling infrastructure fit for Chennai’s local conditions,” he said.

“Cycling was a recreation sport. Now it is being pursued for fitness. It is a costly sport, but cycling reduces the risk of diabetes and other health conditions,” Mr. Jayantha said.

Sajeesh P., who runs a business relating to cycling, said the demand for products associated with cycling was rising. Anbazhagan Sadasivam said cycling was his mode of transportation from home to office in the city. “The risk remains high. We need safe roads,” he said.

P. Karunakaran, a government bus driver who does cycling, said he had started sensitising his colleagues about the risks cyclists faced on roads. “Drivers who listened have understood that the road also belongs to cyclists and pedestrians. Safety of cyclists and pedestrians is the priority of such bus drivers. Their behaviour is changing,” he said.

Chennai Cycle Thiruvizha 2025 is powered by The Hindu. The events being held include discussions, workshops and activities related to cycling, sale of cycling merchandise, programmes by volunteers, and food stalls.