Cycling tracks of Noida in need of immediate administrative attention

Noida: Post-COVID, Delhi and NCR saw a boost in cycling culture. To catch the trend the number of cyclists and cycling groups in Noida is also increasing. However, cyclists face a lot of challenges when it comes to cycling in Noida. A non-existing cycling infrastructure, dangerous roads, and air pollution are some of them.

The ambitious 46 km cycle track was inaugurated in Noida in 2015. These cycling tracks were made to promote green modes of transport in the city.
CitySpidey inspected the cycle tracks recently and found a lot wrong with them.

The tracks, meant for cyclists, were encroached by parked cars. Some commuters were seen driving their vehicles on the tracks, including bikes. A closer inspection revealed that the track itself was in very poor condition. The bricks on the tracks were broken. The red paint to identify cycling tracks from the road had almost faded.

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Rajiva Singh (59), NOFAA president and cyclist, says, “The cycling tracks are scattered across various sectors. What is needed is to bring these tracks into a loop so that cyclists can do cycling seamlessly. Moreover, these cycling tracks need to be made free from encroachments and potholes, and lit up with proper lighting."

Initially, these tracks were coloured in red paint. Now, the colour has almost disappeared making it difficult to demarcate the cycle track. This also raises safety concerns for cyclists who find it difficult to ride on these cycle tracks.

Cyclist Vinita Paliwal, 37, a cyclist said, “All the markings have faded. Cycle tracks are missing, even if they were there. Now they are essentially back to being roads for motor vehicles. The bushes grown along these tracks make it difficult to ride on during the early morning and late-night hours. Moreover, walkers and joggers are often found doing exercises on these tracks. It feels so disheartening at times that the government and authorities don't want to support cycling as a sport.“

Another cyclist, Nisha Rai (45) said, “The service road should be dedicated for cycle tracks. The paint of the cycle tracks has disappeared. The street lights are not working which makes it a safety threat for the cyclist. The road is encroached by the local vendors at several spots. Moreover, the Authority should make a dedicated cycling track in biodiversity park, Noida sector 62.”