Kolkata, 19th May: On the eve of International Cycle to Work Day, SwitchON Foundation with support from leading govt Institutions in Kolkata like Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority and Newtown Business Club under NKDA , takes forward the sustainable initiative of Cycle2Work Campaign. Over 50 organizations and corporate houses have come forward under this initiative .SwitchON Foundation aims to actively engage in providing a year long programme of technical assistance to companies and also the city authorities to make the city safe for cycling and to make companies equipped for encouraging cycling. Companies can make their offices cycle friendly by setting up cycle racks, changing area, bathing area wherever possible, reward and incentivise programmes etc. SwitchON Foundation will bring in experts from ITDP and link in Government departments for the Programme to become more efficient and successful.This initiative aims to encourage a significant shift from motorized commuting to cycling. After the successful onboarding of the companies, the next step will be to register for the National Campaign Cycle2Work.
SwitchON Foundation supports the Smart Cities Mission under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). Vinay Jaju, MD SwitchON Foundation said, “We are really happy to have the support of multiple cities to see the corporates and institutions for the Cycle2Work Initiative. Cycle2Work is a simple yet effective way in which citizens can contribute to the planet, cities air quality, congestion while staying healthy. ”
Chairman Newtown Kolkata Green and Smart Cities Corporation Limited stated, “ Newtown Kolkata is committed to promote Cycle to Work. We have built the necessary infrastructure to support it. We encourage companies to come forward to participate and want all kinds of employees to participate. Cycling will make workplaces healthier and happier, our cities less polluted and reduce congestion on the roads and also take the load off the public transport system. It’s a win –win for our planet ,company and our city.”
Mr. Santanu Patra ,Superintending Engineer, Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority said, “Embracing the ‘Cycle to Work’ initiative promoted by SwitchOn Foundation not only reduces our carbon footprint but also fosters a culture of health, well-being, among our employees. Together, we pedal towards a better future.”
A study was launched by SwitchON Foundation on Livelihood Cyclists in Kolkata: Opportunities and Challenges. The survey was conducted among a total of 233 cyclists, who were identified randomly from localities of Central Kolkata and the New Town area. The study revealed that Kolkata’s cycling community is using cycling for livelihood purpose.Dr Aditi Kundu , Senior Research Manager and Lead from SwitchON Foundation said ,” cyclist on an average cycles for 3 to 5 km on a daily basis to fulfill his/ her delivery or other work related requirement in his/ her locality. Almost 98.25% of the respondents said that cycling was economical.” Around 45%of the male cyclists and 34% of female cyclists feared cycling in Kolkata due to accidents because of the dominance of 4-wheelers on the roads. Around 89% of the females and 87% of male cyclists said that better road facilities, particularly separate cycling lanes will be beneficial for a better cycling experience on the roads of Kolkata”
As per National Family Health Survey(NFHS-5), West Bengal has achieved a rare feat as 78.9% of its households have bicycles, the highest in the country. SwitchOn Foundation will work with such companies and help them encourage infrastructure for in work space and promote sustainable mobility of cycle for work. Building infrastructure in the form of bicycle parkings, showers etc for their employees opting for cycling to work would encourage cyclists to travel and celebrate the spirit of cycling overall.
Some of the recommendations cited in the study for promotion of cycling in Kolkata are:
- Developing cycle friendly infrastructure in cities, such as cycle lanes, parking racks etc and develop the cycling culture in the city, cycle sharing schemes can be introduced.
- Campaigns to ensure cyclists stick to using the cycling lanes, and cycle lanes are used only by cyclists to maintain traffic rules .
- Enforcement of stringent laws by the government with structured fines.
- Designated parking facilities for cycles to be constructed in public spaces.
Ms. Aangi Shah, Senior Associate, from ITDP said, “Cycle2Work is a great initiative that encourages employees to use cycling as a mode of commute – to improve health and support the environment. Many cities across the country have already rolled out the Cycle2Work Campaign – an initiative by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs – such as Silvassa, Rajkot, New Town Kolkata and Surat. As more cyclists use the streets for commute, the city must invest in and create the right systems i.e building safe, comfortable cycling tracks and footpaths which are continuous and connected by a network, planning traffic calming measures for the safety of the cyclists and adopting the right policies to scale up such work.”
Media Dossier
Contact: Vinay Jaju | M: +91 9331178105 | Email: VJ@SwitchON.org.in
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