Cycle-friendly Pune
Pune has a rich history of being a city of cyclists, and it’s time to reclaim that legacy for a sustainable and healthy future. Cycling is not just an eco-friendly mode of transport but also an affordable, efficient, and healthy alternative for daily commutes. With rising traffic congestion, air pollution, and the need for inclusive mobility, promoting cycling is essential to making Pune a truly livable city.
To encourage cycling as a mainstream mobility option, Pune needs:
- Safe Cycling Infrastructure: Dedicated and well-maintained cycle tracks that are continuous and protected from motorized traffic.
- Integration with Public Transport: Facilities like cycle parking at metro and bus stops, and last-mile connectivity options.
- Awareness and Culture Building: Campaigns and events to inspire citizens to adopt cycling as a lifestyle.
- Policy and Enforcement: Strong regulations to ensure cyclists’ safety and prioritize cycling infrastructure in urban planning.
We aim to create a Cyclable Pune through advocacy, public engagement, and collaborative efforts with urban planners and policymakers. Cycling can transform Pune into a cleaner, quieter, and more inclusive city.
In the short term, we are focusing on campaigns that focus on safety and convenience of people who are already using a bicycle for their daily commute, since these unsung heroes are saviors for our city!
Livelihood Cyclists
What we are doing
It is estimated that a bicycle is the only ‘vehicle’ in about 5% families in Pune, and is used by the breadwinner in most cases. It is essential that their convenience and safety is prioritized.
We intend to provide gears to their bicycles so that their commute is improved.
Cycle-Bus
What we are doing
This initiative introduces the innovative concept of a ‘Cycle Bus,’ designed to enhance the safety and visibility of students cycling on Pune’s roads. A ‘Cycle Bus’ works like a school bus, but on bicycles. You ‘get on the bus’ by joining a group of cyclists riding together. Children ride together to/from the school, rather than each one riding on their own. This makes the group more easily visible to drivers of other vehicles, which improves the safety of the cyclists.
Pilot and future plans
We successfully tested this concept on roads in Pune, with cooperation from Paranjape Vidyamandir, Kothrud.
We wish to expand this concept to ‘community based Cycle Buses’ than being constrained to a specific school.