I have been responding to the talk about cycling events in Lahore with 'Do we really want to commute through bicycles or is it just a hobby? Or Do we have the infrastructure of bicycles?' In short, I have been cynical about this idea and not very open to it personally. Maybe, because I won't choose it for myself to commute. But as professional, it dawned upon me that I am responsible for answering these questions and providing solutions for those who are really willing to do cycling in the city and look forward to these events even in daily routine as well. Therefore, I asked one of my friend who falls in this category about 'what challenges she face during bicycling in Lahore', so that I can understand the situation and advocate in a way that's suitable for bicyclers in the city.
This is what she has to say about things that bothers her in the city as she commute through her bicycle:
1. The motorcyclist don't turn on their headlights as they travel on road or don't even bother to have headlights at all, so when they take turn it is hard to know and is very dangerous as per safety rules and traffic rules as well.
2. The limited number of turned on street lights make it feel unsafe and insecure.
3. There are so many stray dogs on streets (I get to know about it when I travelled through my bicycle)
4. Road bumps are high than their limit per regulations.
5. People don't follow rules & regulations and don't follow their lanes (on main roads they usually do but in societies they completely ignore rules). This makes it difficult for new riders on road.
6. People stare at you because this activity (bicycle especially if rider is a girl) is not common here.
7. No separate lanes for small vehicles (it's an urban level issue but I do feel a need for it)
8. Outdoor activities and exercise are helpful for mental & physical health but due to poor air quality people leave/avoid going out for it. Environmental factors are very discouraging.
9. Lastly, all above factors I have experienced when I go alone but when we go out in groups then we are dominant on roads and the experience is much better and more enjoyable, little issues don't feel bothersome. So I see a lot of potential in normalizing travelling on bicycle.
The conclusion is not just my observation or my opinion in fact two other professionals, one who rides bicycle (Ar. Samdia Butt interviewed above) and Ar. Ayesha Rafi who often write articles on our website. We agree on this point that Lahore has not been developed considering walkability or even bicycling as mode of commute post-independence. We find institutions in one part of city, leisure spaces in other and residential area is in the other part of city. The areas are separated by either business corridors, boulevards or main roads with heavy traffic, which means small vehicles have less or no room for safe travel and are not user friendly. I mean who can commute to a 30min car ride on a bicycle without any bet or challenge, even that will be boring if done on daily basis. Right? Well yes still people who find it beneficial as physical activity or affordability. So yeah, it is possible to go out on bicycles as a hobby/physical activity/need but not a safe ride for all. If we need change any way, then we must priortise walkability in development and urban infrastructure.
But, wait, not only the urban planning is the issue... But the urban design and infrastructure in terms of climate demand is the core problem for why walking or bicycling is difficult to maintain in the summer season (as Lahore has mostly hot climate for about 6 to 7 months and it is only increasing with climate change). The lack of infrastructure like natural or artificial shading, areas to rest, safe areas to park bicycles, etc are equally responsible why we don't think that Lahore is not friendly for this.
But the good news is, if we start with small interventions to make Lahore climate resilient and adaptable to people needs and demands, we can be definitely get somewhere good and low cost transportation for daily commute and a safe environment. What do you think?
Comments