Traffic, potholes stump cyclists: Corpn survey

According to findings of a survey conducted by the civic body, more than 50 per cent of the respondents cited traffic congestion, potholes and open drains when asked what are the biggest barriers to cycling in Chennai.

Recently, the Chennai Corporation initiated the survey as a part of promoting cycling in the city and to know the needs of commuters. Also, the survey was conducted following the ‘Cycles4Change Challenge’ competition announced by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development under the Smart City Mission. Around 1,700 residents had taken part in the online survey.

“When asked on the barriers they find in cycling on city roads, around 54 per cent of the respondents opined that traffic congestion is the biggest barrier, while 58 per cent respondents felt potholes and open drains are the deterrents. Also, 46 per cent people said they could not use cycles due to obstructions on the roads,” a Chennai Corporation source said.At the same time, 37 per cent of the respondents expressed that they would use bicycles to commute for work if cycling becomes safe and convenient in the city.

It may be noted that Tamil Nadu and Chennai are on the top of their respective lists with the highest number of cyclists killed in road accidents. During 2019, more than 230 cyclists died in the State, while 43 of them died in Chennai.

Among the respondents who are using bicycles, 74 per cent use cycle for exercise, according to the survey. The survey also revealed that the majority of cyclists in the city see cycling as one of the workouts rather than a mode of transport as 33 per cent cyclists use cycle only a few days a week and 16 per cent cycle only on weekends. On the other hand, 22 per cent cycle daily, who are using bicycles for commuting to work.

The source said that the results of the survey would be used to plan strategy. “Also, to start with, the Corporation has decided to improve any one of the five-kilometre stretch in the city as cycling friendly. Based on the pilot, other roads will be taken up for the project. If we win the challenge, the Ministry will sanction Rs 1 crore to improve cycling conditions in the city,” the source added.