Two years after the second Left Democratic Front (LDF) government came to power, cyclists in the state are lamenting the unfulfilled promises in its election manifesto.
The LDF manifesto said the government would encourage cycling, have cycle tracks along roads, and reserve some roads for cyclists and pedestrians on holidays. The manifesto also proposes loan for purchase of cycles, promotion of cycle clubs and celebration of Cycle Day. There was also a proposal to run a relay cycle from one end of the state to the other.
“The cyclists in the state were enthused by the manifesto. It was the first time in the country that a political entity made such a declaration in an election manifesto. But not a single item in the manifesto has been completed nor is it in that direction yet No steps have been taken,” said Sahir Abdul Jabbar, the bicycle mayor of Kozhikode.
In addition, Transport Minister Antony Raju had announced that arrangements would be made in long-distance KSRTC buses to carry e-bikes and e-scooters in addition to cycles, following a call made by Mr. Sahir a year ago. The project was to be implemented on November 1, 2021. “I contacted the KSRTC as well as the minister’s office. No such arrangement has been made so far,” Mr Sahir said.
On the other hand, the cyclists also lament that the facilities available have also become unusable for them. The half kilometer long cycle track at South Beach in Kozhikode is now a favorite destination for pedestrians, who prefer the track to the nearby footpath for their morning and evening walks. Occasionally, there have been disputes between walkers and cyclists about using the track.
Mr. Sahir said that the cycling fraternity, led by the cycling mayors of Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram besides Kozhikode, is planning to meet the chief minister soon with their demands.