ACTIVE MOBILITY
1. Context
Sporadic reports of accidental deaths and injuries of pedestrians, cyclists, street-hawkers, and others in the metro cities of India are on the rise. While urban development in various metro cities include patches of dedicated service lanes for pedestrians and cyclists, motor vehicles tend to ply on them as well. As a result, the risk of accidents are as high on these pathways as on the main roads with vehicular traffic. In such a grim situation, active mobility is the need of the hour.
2. What is active mobility?
- Active mobility refers to transportation methods powered by human effort rather than engines. This includes walking, cycling, skateboarding, and other non-motorised forms used for commuting purposes rather than leisure.
- In India, the concept of active mobility has gained prominence due to factors such as worsening traffic congestion, rising pollution levels, public health issues, and an increase in pedestrian fatalities.
- These concerns have prompted national initiatives like the National Transit Oriented Development (NTOD) Policy and the Smart Cities Mission (SCM) to focus more on sustainable transport. On a global level, frameworks such as the Paris Agreement reinforce the push towards low-carbon, environmentally friendly mobility solutions.
- Since 2018, Sathya Sankaran, Bengaluru’s first Bicycle Mayor, has actively championed the cause of making urban spaces more accessible for cyclists and pedestrians. His advocacy played a significant role in shaping the Karnataka Active Mobility Bill, 2022.
- Alarmingly, Karnataka had the highest rate of pedestrian deaths in the country in 2020, accounting for 13% of total fatalities. The Bill aims to promote inclusive urban mobility by legally safeguarding the rights of non-motorised road users and ensuring equal access to shared urban spaces.
- Other states are also prioritising active mobility. Delhi is enhancing its cycling and pedestrian infrastructure under the Delhi EV Policy. Pune has formulated a Comprehensive Bicycle Plan and built more than 300 kilometres of cycling tracks.
- Chennai is upgrading its roads under the SCM to boost pedestrian safety, while Kochi has launched a Public Bicycle Sharing (PBS) system to improve last-mile connectivity
3. Significance of active mobility
- According to the World Health Organization (WHO), all forms of active mobility offer a range of economic, social, environmental, and health-related advantages. On the economic front, it leads to savings on fuel and transport costs for households and reduces medical expenses by improving overall public health. Additionally, pedestrian-friendly areas tend to attract more people, thereby supporting local businesses.
- Compared to motorised transport, walking and cycling are much more eco-friendly, producing minimal carbon emissions.
- These modes not only contribute to energy conservation but also help cut down a significant portion of India’s road transport emissions, which currently account for around 12% of the nation's total. Urban areas with efficient infrastructure for non-motorised transport often experience cleaner air and less traffic congestion.
- From a health perspective, active transport methods help prevent chronic illnesses, boost heart health, support mental wellness, and lead to improved community health. Overall, such transport options foster cities that are not only healthier but also more lively and environmentally sustainable
4. Barriers regarding active mobility
- Active mobility continues to be significantly underused, largely because urban planning and infrastructure are not supportive of it. The absence of well-designed pathways for pedestrians and cyclists prevents these modes from becoming viable mainstream options.
- As of 2021, over 85% of roads in India fail to meet basic safety standards for walking and cycling.
- This situation is further worsened by the easy accessibility of inexpensive motorised transport alternatives.
- Additionally, harsh weather and long commuting distances make active travel less appealing.
- Cultural attitudes also pose major obstacles. In many parts of the country, owning a car or two-wheeler is often seen as a symbol of social prestige.
- India’s streets are increasingly crowded with privately owned vehicles, and data from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers indicates that more than 12,000 cars are sold daily across the nation.
- The combination of heavy traffic congestion and poor enforcement of road safety rules further contributes to an unsafe environment for walkers and cyclists
5. Way Forward
The Netherlands stands out globally for its commitment to active mobility, boasting over 35,000 kilometres of dedicated bicycle lanes. The European Union’s Mobility and Transport division also places a strong emphasis on encouraging walking and cycling as part of its strategy to foster sustainable urban transport.
Supporting this shift is the Vision Zero initiative, which seeks to reduce conflicts and accidents involving pedestrians, cyclists, and motor vehicles. In Germany, the Berlin Mobility Act enforces several progressive measures, including broader footpaths, exclusive cycling lanes, lower speed limits for vehicles in urban zones, and a planning approach that puts the needs of non-motorised commuters at the forefront
Source: The Hindu
