INTRODUCTION: THE GROWING CONCERN

• Increasing reports of accidents involving pedestrians, cyclists, and street vendors.
• Service lanes meant for non-motorised use are often misused by motor vehicles.
• This creates high accident risk even in designated safe spaces.
• A shift to active mobility is urgently needed to ensure safer, healthier cities.

WHAT IS ACTIVE MOBILITY?

• Definition: Use of human-powered transport modes.
• Examples: Walking, cycling, skateboarding (used for travel, not just recreation).
• Key Drivers in India:
  • Rising traffic congestion and pollution.
  • Increase in pedestrian fatalities.
  • National and international policies encouraging sustainability:
    • National Transit Oriented Development (NTOD)
    • Smart Cities Mission (SCM)
    • Paris Agreement commitments.

KARNATAKA ACTIVE MOBILITY BILL, 2022

• Drafted with the advocacy of Sathya Sankaran, Bengaluru’s Bicycle Mayor.
• Key Features:
  • Legal protection for pedestrians and cyclists.
  • Ensures equal access to public spaces.
  • Encourages urban infrastructure that prioritizes non-motorised transport.
• Background: Karnataka recorded 13% of India’s pedestrian deaths in 2020.

EFFORTS BY OTHER INDIAN CITIES

• Delhi: Expanding cycle tracks under its EV policy.
• Pune: Developed 300+ km of cycling lanes under a Comprehensive Bicycle Plan.
• Chennai: Road redesigns for pedestrian safety under Smart Cities Mission.
• Kochi: Introduced a Public Bicycle Sharing (PBS) system to improve last-mile connectivity.

SIGNIFICANCE AND BENEFITS OF ACTIVE MOBILITY

1. Health Benefits:

• Reduces risks of chronic illness.
• Promotes cardiovascular health and mental well-being.
• Enhances overall public health.

1. Environmental Benefits:

• Near-zero carbon emissions.
• Helps reduce India’s 12% transport-related carbon emissions.
• Contributes to cleaner air and less traffic congestion.

1. Economic and Social Benefits:

• Saves households money on fuel and healthcare.
• Boosts local economies by increasing foot traffic to businesses.
• Creates more vibrant and livable urban environments.

BARRIERS TO ACTIVE MOBILITY IN INDIA

1. Infrastructural Barriers:

• Over 85% of roads lack basic safety for pedestrians and cyclists (as of 2021).
• Poor or non-existent footpaths and cycling lanes.
• Easy availability of low-cost motorised transport.

1. Climatic and Distance Challenges:

• Extreme weather and long commutes reduce practicality.

1. Cultural & Social Perceptions:

• Vehicles are seen as symbols of status.
• Over 12,000 cars sold daily (Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers).
• Weak traffic law enforcement deters safe walking and cycling.

GLOBAL EXAMPLES OF SUCCESSFUL ACTIVE MOBILITY

1. The Netherlands:

• Over 35,000 km of cycling lanes.
• Global leader in cycling-based urban mobility.

1. European Union:

• Promotes active mobility via its Mobility and Transport department.
• Vision Zero initiative aims to eliminate accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists.

1. Germany (Berlin):

• Berlin Mobility Act mandates:
  • Wider sidewalks and dedicated bike lanes.
  • Lower speed limits in cities.
  • Prioritization of non-motorised commuters in urban planning.