Wanted bicycle lanes in Dhaka city

A mass transit mode of transportation is essential to serve growing travel demand and to reduce traffic congestion in Dhaka. It is apparent that a mass transit is not going to be a reality any time in the near future.
Realising this, many people have possibly taken up cycling for their daily commuting purposes in the capital, compared to other available modes.
It has provided savings in time, cash and health benefits. Although, many more people realise that cycling is a much faster and cheaper mode of transport to commute within the city, they have abandoned the idea of commuting by cycling citing poor road safety standard and chaotic traffic condition.
Many cities around the world have recognised that bicycle is an environment-friendly mode of transport that can reduce traffic congestion. The first step in promoting cycling is to ensure the safety of cyclists.
That is why many cities are restricting their roadways to provide bicycle lanes. In addition, to ensure that the cyclists are safe in the bicycle lane which is not encroached upon by other road users, many cities are also making the bicycle lane separated.
Research has shown that providing bicycle lane increases the number of people commuting by cycling. This has helped reduce the number of motorised vehicles on the road. It has, as a result, reduced traffic congestion.
Traffic jams have become notorious in Dhaka. To improve the traffic situation, the city authority needs to take measures to promote cycling. To promote and encourage commuting by cycling, the city authority may consider providing bicycle lanes on the main corridors of the capital.
One such corridor where a barrier-separated bicycle lane may be provided is the corridor Shahbag - Saarc Foara - Jahangir Gate - Mohakhali Rail Crossing - Dhaka Airport.
This is one of the busiest corridors in Dhaka. Providing a separate bicycle lane in this corridor would greatly benefit cyclists as many cyclists travel through this corridor every day and most importantly at some sections of this corridor, vehicles travel at a very high speed.
This makes it unsafe for cyclists as they have to travel alongside high speed vehicles without any separation. Providing a bicycle lane in this corridor may encourage more people to use this corridor to commute by cycling. This may reduce traffic congestion there.
Space to accommodate bicycle lane in the main corridors
may not be a problem in Dhaka. To promote cycling, the city authority may consider providing barrier separated bicycle lanes
in the main corridors of the
capital.
More cycles will improve overall traffic flow, and in the long term reduce traffic congestion and provide a healthier lifestyle.
 ridwanq@gmail.com