India's Bicycle Economy
Cycling Infrastructure and Safety
Why cyclists face high road risks in India, how few cities have safe cycle lanes, and how better infrastructure could increase cycling.
Cycling in India can be dangerous.
Risks
Cyclists share roads with fast trucks and cars, and many are killed each year.
Lack of lanes
Few cities have connected, protected cycle lanes.
Encroachment
Existing lanes are often used for parking or vending.
Benefits of cycling
- Less pollution and congestion.
- Health benefits.
Evidence
Cities worldwide saw cycling rise when safe lanes were built.
Policy
The Cycles4Change Challenge (2020) encouraged cities to pilot cycle lanes.
The painted lane
A city paints a cycle lane, but cars park on it, forcing cyclists into traffic.
Thinking people don't cycle because they don't want to
Safety deters many.
Key takeaways
- Cyclists face high road risks.
- Few cities have protected lanes.
- Lanes are often encroached.
- Safe lanes boost cycling.
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