The Indian Express               09.05.2013

BMC plans separate cycling track on Marine Drive promenade

BMC is planning a dedicated cycling track on Marine Drive promenade.

The civic administration is conducting a feasibility study and also identifying, in consultation with the traffic department, other areas in the city to construct similar cycling tracks.

"The path will be of use to cyclists, especially in the mornings on Saturdays and Sundays," said Vivek Phansalkar, joint commissioner of police (traffic).

While long-term plan is to keep the tracks open for users throughout the day, cyclists will be initially able to use them from 5 am to 7 am.

"The detailed plan, including parking area, length of the track and whether it should be on the seaside or road side, is being deliberated upon," said a civic official.

"The track will be constructed in such a way there is no hurdle for pedestrians, especially morning walkers. The proposal is expected to be finalised within two months," he said.

Cycling enthusiasts welcomed the move.

"A separate track will be a boon for enthusiasts as it will not only encourage cycling, a good exercise, but also ensure safety," said Anandini Thakoor, chairperson of Khar Residents Association.

Meanwhile, a proposal mooted by residents more than four years ago to create dedicated cycling tracks in Khar-Bandra lies in cold storage awaiting traffic department permissions.

Inspired by Scandinavian countries, members of Khar-Bandra-Santacruz (KBS) forum had mooted the proposal in 2009. It had suggested creating cycling tracks over a 30-km stretch covering Carter Road, Khar Road, Chimbai, Bandstand, Reclamation and Santacruz.

"The proposal is yet to be cleared by the traffic department. Some narrow lanes would not be ideal for such tracks but the Carter Road and Bandstand promenades could definitely be used by cyclists," said Thakoor.

KBS forum had roped in Open Bicycles Project, a Mumbai-based group, for a traffic analysis in Bandra.