Musiking Bicycle Transport in Kolkata:
In its effort to urge authorities to revoke cycle restrictions from 62 roads in Kolkata which currently exists, Switch ON Foundation initiated public campaign #bringbackcycle brings the magical voice of Usha Uthup. We have all adored the woman with a ‘bindi’ with the initials of Kolkata. The sharp wit and the mesmerising performances on some of Bollywood’s greatest hits – be it “Darling…” from 7 Khoon Maaf or “One Two Cha Cha Cha…”, Padma Shri and multi award winner Usha Uthup’s magical voice have always jazzed us up. Her magical voice on the #bringbackcycles campaign have simply added the cherry on the cake by making Kolkata’s cycle issue reach to a wider audience.
The campaign that dates back to 13 year old initiatives led by SwitchON in collaboration with several other grassroots organisations, daily cyclists and cycle enthusiasts, aims to make Kolkata a more sustainable and equitable city with a better quality of life and providing a hassle-free and low cost commuting option for people from all walks of life.
The campaign also initiated an open letter endorsed by eminent personalities such as celebrities, influencers, authors, doctors, cricketer, footballer. The open letter that is addressed to the Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee to allow cycling in Kolkata, has so far received an overwhelming support from famous personalities like Amitav Ghosh, Aruna Roy, Ruskin Bond to mention a few.
Giving the campaign a flavour of Kolkata’s fond association with music coupled with the evergreen voice of Kolkata – Usha Uttup, the campaign strongly urges all authorities to immediately lift cycle restrictions from Kolkata roads and help build a happy and healthy city. SwitchON Foundation extends gratitude to Usha Uttup ji for lending her magical voice which has not just created wonders in the field of music and Bollywood, but also supporting our cycle endeavours. We heartily thank her for supporting our initiative to #bringbackcycles on Kolkata Roads to contribute to the environment and to support those who are dependent on cycles.
“ Its my request to please remove cycle restrictions from Kolkata roads to ensure we live a healthy, sustainable, pollution and congestion-free life” – Usha Uttup
Cycling restrictions in Kolkata were imposed on about 36 streets in the year 2008 by the Kolkata Police which had been increased to 174 roads in 2013 and later, due to widespread protests, restrictions were reduced to 62 road restrictions which continue to exist till date. SwitchON Foundation conducted studies that found out that cycles are not only safe but also do not create a safety hazard. At the same time, commuters don’t find cycles risky when compared to other modes of road transport. Kolkata is also grappling with a serious air pollution problem with the Air Quality Index (AQI) becoming at par with many polluted cities across the globe on some days, especially in the winter months. Cycles are not just a safe mode of transport but environmentally very sustainable with zero pollution and emissions and show positive impacts on the rider’s health and also helps clean up the city’s air. However, the current policies in the city are hostile towards cycles and NMTs. This has allowed more cars to come on our roads causing more problems like vehicular pollution, traffic congestion, and a higher number of road fatalities.
We are reaching out to more influencers whose image is reverentially celebrated in Bengal and beyond, and their strong voice can help us gain support in this campaign. As the future of Bengal, the onus is upon us to bring a positive impact in our environment and make it sustainable. Let us all come together to make Kolkata and its surrounding the most livable city in the globe. Looking forward to your contribution.
Presenting the Cycle Song by Usha Uthup!
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