Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has rejected a proposal to build a cycling track in the capital city.

The Planning Commission rejected the proposal of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to allocate funds from the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for the construction of a 64.70 kilometre (km) long cycle track along existing major and service roads of residential sectors in Islamabad.

A proposal in this regard was reviewed by the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) in its sitting held on Thursday. The CDWP rejected the request for PSDP allocation and directed the civic body to build the project with its own resources.

The CDA had forwarded the proposal for allocation of Rs 242.9 million from PSDP to launch a non-motorised transport infrastructure in Islamabad.

It was proposed by the civic body that a 64.70 km long cycle track would be constructed in one year alongside the various roads of residential sectors. The construction of bicycle parking stands in various locations of the city was also a part of the project.

Talking to Daily Times, CDA Planning and Design Member Asad Mehboob Kiani said: “We had just asked for Rs 15 million to hire a consultant for completing a feasibility study of the project. However, the request was turned down by the CDWP.”

Talking about the future of the project, Kiani said: “Though, we have limited resources, but we will find out a way to complete the project as it is a public-friendly project.”

A provision to have cycling tracks is part of Islamabad’s master plan. A two way cycle track of nine feet width adjacent to the left lane of roads is already included in the cross sections.

“It is difficult to understand why CDWP declined a project that had huge significance for citizens? We already have 70 percent infrastructure available. We only need to construct the remaining 30 percent to launch the cycle track,” said a CDA Planning Wing official.

“The proposal was prepared by the Roads and Market Maintenance Directorate of the CDA on the request of Planning Commission. It seems it was rejected in retaliation of the CDA’s recent refusal to Federal Minister for Planning Development and Reforms Ahsan Iqbal over the PIDE University case,” he said.

A five-feet wide bicycle track on the Constitution Avenue, Margalla Avenue, and some roads of Sector F-6 is already operational. It had been launched by CDA in 2016.

Bicycles were first developed in the mid-18th century and quickly became a popular form of transport, although the early designs, with a huge front wheel. In 1885, the first modern bicycle with a chain and gearing that allowed the wheels to be of equal size appeared. In developed countries, civil authorities encourage the use of bicycles because they are environment friendly.

Even in Pakistan, it has been a major mode of transportation. However, the availability of motorcycles at lower rates in recent years has reduced the number of bicycle users.

Published in Daily Times, July 7^th , 2017.