Cycle lanes built by the metropolis are flawed, what do cyclists say? (Seven photos)

Kathmandu. KATHMANDU: The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has almost completed the construction of cycle lanes and footpaths from Maitighar Mandala to Tinkune. The cycle lane has been constructed along the wide footpath after protests against the construction of a bicycle lane by drawing a green line on the road, saying it was risky and impractical.

Cyclists, however, said there were complications with lane use. Secretary of Nepal Cycling Association Devendra Basnyat said that the lane is being constructed after pressure from cyclists. He said that although it has been constructed, it has not been used. “It’s not an easy lane for cycling,” he said. The problem was seen at the entry point of the cycle lane. In some places, there is no connection. In some places, there is a risk of accidents. Many places are narrow. There are a lot of things that need to be improved.

Another cyclist, Laxman Baniya, shared his experience that he had seen attractive cycle lanes for cycling in developed countries and it was necessary to clearly demarcate the lanes for pedestrians and pedestrians. He said, “There is a cycle lane here, but there is no special lane. It doesn’t matter if you ride a bicycle or walk a person. The designer should have thought of himself as a cyclist, but that has not happened. If you don’t know, you should consult someone you know.

Saurav Dhakal, owner of Story Cycles, who has been looking at the cycle lane of the Tinkune-Maitighar road section for about 13 years, says, “It is the same as it was before. Only the bricks have been replaced. There is no work in grading, quality and ease at all. We had also submitted an application to the metropolis after the construction of a new footpath started at this place. We had said that the cycle lanes should be redesigned. We said that it should be user-friendly. Instead of increasing the number of people riding bicycles, this lane is going to decrease further. To cross 3.5 kilometers, one has to descend about 20 times and climb again. There is still an opportunity to improve by discussing with stakeholders.