World Car-free Day is being observed in Bangladesh and other countries today (Tuesday), although measures are inadequate to make alternatives for commuters here.
Every year, the international event encourages motorists to give up their cars for a day.
This year's theme 'Back to walking and cycling for liveable cities' aims to sensitise people to the health benefit of short-distance walking and cycling.
The Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA) in collaboration with 60 other government and non-governmental agencies have chalked up various programmes to make the day a success.
However, the day's main programme on Manik Mia Avenue will not be held this year due to the coronavirus pandemic situation.
It usually motivates and enables people to walking and cycling on the thoroughfare.
On the occasion, the DTCA organised a press conference on Monday where DTCA executive director Khandaker Rakibur Rahman, among others, spoke.
As lockdown is relaxed amid the pandemic, Mr Rahman said, safety for public mobility needs to be ensured.
Replying to a query, he said the DTCA has no data on the availability of any bicycle lanes or the making of footpath walkable for pedestrians.
But Mr Rahman said both Dhaka north and south city corporations have been working on upgrading footpaths in the capital for comfortable walking.
He, however, said no bicycle lane has been in the design of footpath development.
The DTCA executive said 80 per cent of the city's trips is generated within a five-kilometre range with 50 per cent within a two-kilometre range.
If such short-distance trips are ensured through walking and cycling, the use of private cars could be reduced significantly.
Writer and activist Jane Jacobs in his book 'The Death and Life of Great American Cities' in 1961 floated the idea of a car-free day.
smunima@yahoo.com