If you travel on Jayanagar roads, you will notice the changes taking place. There are neat cobble-stoned road humps turning up at every other junction overnight.
These are part of a pilot project comissioned by the BBMP in November 2011 for introducing dedicated cycle lanes in Jayanagar. The cycle lanes are 1.5 meters of exclusive space for cycles on both sides of the roads.
The project will cover 56 junctions including 6 signalled junctions. It was initially expected to launch by February 2012 and now is expected to be completed by June 2012. Signages will be provided to help cyclists to pedal their way on the nearly 40km stretch of roads across Jayanagar.
This eco-friendly project has been proposed by DULT and is being implemented by BBMP. It is being seen to be a major relief for Bangaloreans, as the city has lost its cycling space to the rapid and unplanned growth.
In addition to the cycle lanes, parking space for cycles will be provided and signages will be put up at all junctions.
Why Jayanagar
Jayanagar has been chosen for the pilot project as it houses nearly 100 educational institutions and is home to a lot of senior and elderly people.
Cycle is still the most preferable mode of transport among school and college students and Jayanagar with its vast educational institutions, has been chosen for this very reason.
The cycle lanes will extend from Kanakanapalya Road to Marenahalli Road(North to south) and from Kanakapura Road to Bannerghatta Road(west to east).
Will it Work?
Only time will tell if this project going to actually work. The roads chosen are very commercially active ones. The 1.5m cycle lanes will mean no place for parking on nearly 40km of roads. The roads are not wide enough to handle the present traffic and squeezing the space for traffic by another 3m will mean more bottlenecks. And how will the motorists abide by the rule? will they spare the 1.5m for cyclists? Not Likely. Will the businesses located in this shopping oriented area allow what is parking space for their customers at present be changed into a cycling lane? Again, Not Likely.
