Nagpur Cyclists Push for Safer Urban Planning, Launch Signature Campaign Every morning in Nagpur, a small group of cyclists begins their journey before the city’s traffic congestion intensifies. These riders, who navigate the city’s roads without protest or disruption, symbolize a growing movement advocating for safer, more sustainable urban infrastructure. Their efforts have sparked a campaign led by cyclist Amit Samarth, who is rallying support for a comprehensive urban plan that prioritizes non-motorised mobility. The initiative, which includes a signature campaign, highlights the urgent need for dedicated cycling lanes, traffic-calming measures, and pedestrian-friendly spaces to address the challenges faced by cyclists in a city increasingly dominated by vehicles. The campaign underscores the broader urban dilemma in India, where cities are built with motor vehicles in mind, leaving little room for alternative modes of transport. Vehicles consume millions of litres of fuel daily, contributing to environmental degradation and economic strain. Meanwhile, sedentary lifestyles linked to reliance on cars are driving a rise in health issues such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. Cycling, by contrast, offers a zero-emission, low-cost solution that promotes physical activity, reduces traffic congestion, and improves air quality. Yet, for many, the practicality of cycling is undermined by the lack of safe infrastructure. Cyclists in Nagpur describe the primary obstacle as safety, not distance or endurance. Dedicated cycling lanes are scarce and often fragmented, while the absence of secure parking facilities discourages regular use. Roads are rarely designed with non-motorised users in mind, forcing cyclists to share space with fast-moving traffic and navigate poorly planned intersections.#nagpur #rajendra_jaiswal #amit_samarth #cycling_campaign #ironman
