In 2020, the Government of India launched the India Cycles4Change Challenge to inspire over 100 cities to become cycling havens. This is in line with the vision of National Urban Transport Policy (2006) that encourages cities to promote greener modes of transport like cycling. A shift to cycling, even for short trips, can result in an annual benefit of 1.8 trillion1 to the national economy, and reduce traffic congestion and
pollution. Cycling can also improve physical health and mental well-being, especially during these trying times.
107 cities signed up for the India Cycles4Change Challenge. In the past year, they adopted a new mantra of engaging with citizens and testing innovative, inexpensive, and quick ideas to remove barriers to cycling. They have transformed the national programme into a city-led but community-driven movement.
THE IMPACT OF CYCLES4CHANGE:
• 50+cities conducted events to build community support
• 400+ km of main roads identified for transformation
• 3500+ km of neighbourhood streets identified for transformation
(Reference: https://mohua.gov.in/indiacyclechallenge/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/A-Dawn-of-a-Cycling-Revolution-Publication.pdf#:~:text=In 2020%2C the Government of India launched,promote greener modes of transport like cycling.)
The Streets for People-pathways of change from India's Smart Cities, developed under the Smart Cities Mission, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, provides a comprehensive list of interventions adopted by cities to re-design the indian street scapes to mainstream active mode of transportation. The book can be viewed here: https://itdp.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Streets-For-People-Publication.pdf
