Cycles for a partial solution
Sunday, 24 January 2010
Bicycles, cycle rickshaws and carts could continue to be important in urban transport modes in Dhaka, particularly for short trips, as in Asian cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Bangkok, Bangalore and Chennai. Europe encourages the use of non-motorised vehicles to save the environment, health and money.
The benefits of cycling are many. But rickshaws in Dhaka create traffic jams due to the absence of separate lanes for them. Transport planning and investment in most Asian cities focus principally on motorised vehicles and exclude non-motorised transport. If non-motorised transports disappear it could mean increased pollution. Employment and mobility of low-income people would very much be affected also.
In European and Japanese cities many people prefer walking and cycling to cover distances. Buses are generally slower for the same trip made by bicycle.
Now, 50 to 80 per cent of urban trips in China are made on bicycle. The average journey time in China's cities appear to be less compared to the more motorised Asian cities. More favourable consequences on the environment, fossil fuel dependency, transportation costs and traffic safety are extra advantages. Bicycles should therefore be encouraged for short trips in over-crowded Dhaka. Bicycles can be an important personal transport.
It is also good for carrying light goods. The city's narrow roads, in particular, are more suitable for bicycles. For short trips to office and marketing it has no parallels.
Md Mozzammel Haqaue
Dhaka
The benefits of cycling are many. But rickshaws in Dhaka create traffic jams due to the absence of separate lanes for them. Transport planning and investment in most Asian cities focus principally on motorised vehicles and exclude non-motorised transport. If non-motorised transports disappear it could mean increased pollution. Employment and mobility of low-income people would very much be affected also.
In European and Japanese cities many people prefer walking and cycling to cover distances. Buses are generally slower for the same trip made by bicycle.
Now, 50 to 80 per cent of urban trips in China are made on bicycle. The average journey time in China's cities appear to be less compared to the more motorised Asian cities. More favourable consequences on the environment, fossil fuel dependency, transportation costs and traffic safety are extra advantages. Bicycles should therefore be encouraged for short trips in over-crowded Dhaka. Bicycles can be an important personal transport.
It is also good for carrying light goods. The city's narrow roads, in particular, are more suitable for bicycles. For short trips to office and marketing it has no parallels.
Md Mozzammel Haqaue
Dhaka