Cycle tracks in Pune blocked by vendors, parked two-wheelers: cyclists

Rutu Ambede, who runs a small restaurant on the same road, echoed the same. “There is absolutely no monitoring of who is using the cycle tracks. In the evenings, the footpaths get so crowded that even pedestrians have no space to stand, let alone cyclists,” she said. “We keep telling our customers to use designated parking zones, but they refuse, saying they’ll leave soon. Meanwhile, cyclists are forced to ride on the main road, risking their safety, even when a cycle track is right there.”

“I cycle here sometimes,” said Alok Biswas, a regular commuter who cycles between Aundh and the city. “But often I’m forced to use the road because the cycle track is filled with parked scooters and bikes. There’s no monitoring at all. That’s the real issue,” he said.

When asked about traffic enforcement, a traffic police officer on duty at JM Road, acknowledged the issue: “There have been many cases of illegal parking here. The tow truck that lifts bikes for illegal parking does visit this stretch regularly as part of monitoring but still the issue remains unsolved.”

FC Road & University Road

Despite the non-functionality flagged at many places, the dedicated cycle lanes have helped some commuters. Amit Andure, who used to commute daily between Balaji Nagar and Sadashiv Peth, has been benefitted with the cycle lanes.

“I’ve been using cycling as a mode of transport since 2020. Earlier, I had no choice but to use the road. But, now while using these cycle tracks, I feel safe, as the chances of accidents due to skirmishes with cars and bikes have reduced,” said Andure.

However, Andure feels there is scope to be worked upon for its utility. “I believe that the cycle lane network must be increased. Currently, while travelling from Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) to FC Road, there are sections where we don’t have cycle lanes. Also, at the signal crossings, the cycle passage is occupied by two-wheelers. A check on this and a better conviction rate for rule breakers must be carried out for our safety,” explained Andure.

Encroachments still a challenge

Street shops and frequent invasions by pedestrians add to the inconvenience for cyclists. Akshay Killedar, a resident of Sadashiv Peth, says, “While many cyclists want to use the tracks, they are obstructed by pedestrians and some street vendors encroaching their tracks. Despite PMC’s anti-encroachment drives these vendors again occupy their place.”