Karnataka to adopt policy to make roads safer for pedestrians

BENGALURU: To encourage walking and cycling, the government will soon come up with a non-motorised transport (NMT) policy.
The Karnataka Non Motorised Transport Agency (KNMTA), which was recently formed under the Directorate of Urban Land Transport (DULT), is preparing the policy, which is likely to be ready in three months. It aims to create a safe environment for walkers and cyclists and also to earmark a significant amount in budgets to develop NMT infrastructure across the state.Cities like Chennai already have such a policy.
KNMTA aims to implement NMT initiatives like public bicycle-sharing projects, to design and create safe bicycle and pedestrian transportation networks in cities, to organize vehicle free (except public transport) programmes that temporarily convert public roads into free spaces for walking, cycling and other community activities. KNMTA will have members from the the urban development department, BMRCL, BBMP, KSRTC, BMTC and DULT.
DULT officials said they have formed KNMTA, a dedicated society for financing and monitoring of operations of NMT in the state. Experts say creation of KNMTA and adoption of an NMT policy will encourage green transport, minimize emission levels and also increase the share of walking and cycling.
For instance, Chennai, which is the first city in the country to adopt an NMT policy, has made it mandatory for 60% of its transport budget to be used for NMT purposes. N Murali Krishna, special officer, DULT, said the NMT policy will be prepared keeping in mind safety of pedestrians and cyclists. “Streets will be designed to be pedestrian-oriented to discourage private vehicles,” he added.
Street furniture
The aim is to reduce fatalities among pedestrians and cyclists, provide secure cycle parking and more differently abled friendly pavements, reduce private motor vehicle kilometres travelled, reduce motor vehicle speeds, street furniture, vending zones, street lighting and traffic calming techniques, including reduced carriageway width and speed breakers.
Green Links project in tier-2,tier-3 cities
DULT will soon implement the Green Links programme to take up NMT projects in district headquarters (except Bengaluru Rural and Urban districts). Along with local bodies, it will plan, design, fund and implement NMT projects like wider pavements and cycle tracks. DULT will provide up to 50% financial assistance not exceeding Rs 5 crore per city The city’s ambitious public bicycle sharing (PBS) project is yet to be launched. Reason: Chief minister HD Kumaraswamy is yet to find time to flag it off. DULT has issued licences for four bicycle operators — Zoomcar PEDL, Yulu Bikes, Bounce and Lezonet — under the PBS project so far. Of them, Yulu Bikes and Bounce have already deployed cycles.
Bicycle sharing project awaits CM’s date
The city’s ambitious public bicycle sharing (PBS) project is yet to be launched. Reason: Chief minister HD Kumaraswamy is yet to find time to flag it off. DULT has issued licences for four bicycle operators — Zoomcar PEDL, Yulu Bikes, Bounce and Lezonet — under the PBS project so far. Of them, Yulu Bikes and Bounce have already deployed cycles.