For better cycling culture, pedal Amsterdam way

Rama Kashyap

Cycle tracks are being laid all across Chandigarh. Passages in trademark red are being carved out at the crossings and roundabouts so that cyclists could avoid mingling with other traffic. As I see a brisk construction activity on the roads to make the city bicycle-friendly, I cannot help recalling my maiden visit to Amsterdam, the cycling capital of the world. The capital of the Netherlands, dotted with cycle tracks, has the best cycling infrastructure in the world.

Though all kinds of vehicular traffic — heavy or light—can be seen on the roads of Amsterdam, the most conspicuous are cyclists swarming the roads. One cannot miss the sound of tingling bells and rattling of cycles.

What an amazing cycling culture Amsterdam has! Men and women, young and old, even kids can be seen pedaling. Undoubtedly, cycling is very common in our country but there is a huge difference in perception. In India, a cycle is a poor man’s conveyance. Anyone and everyone who can afford tries to upgrade to motorised vehicles. But in Amsterdam, most people love cycling. Most Dutch children cycle to their school every day. Cycling is considered not just a viable, but perfectly normal, acceptable and respectable mode of conveyance, not just in Amsterdam but all over the Netherlands.

As you step out of Amsterdam’s Grand Central, one of the most spectacular sights is a bike garage. They call it a garage, and not a cycle stand, where thousands of cycles are parked. In fact, a sea of cycles can be seen parked at any train station in all Dutch cities. A bike chained to the poles is a common sight, yes, chained so that the bike is not stolen.

Normally, you don’t see fancy, trendy bikes in Dutch cities as most people use ordinary looking black bikes, many converted into utility cycles with baskets. But, in the countryside, all kind of amazing bikes with panniers and trailers for carrying items can be seen.

Here I can’t help recalling a sweet lingering memory that I carry from the countryside in the Netherlands—a father and a mother riding their bicycles and the kids following them on their own bikes. With their hair flowing with the wind, four of them pedaling on their separate cycles against a picturesque landscape.

If we will ever be able to replicate the scene in our country, I can’t say. But the development of an excellent cycling infrastructure in Chandigarh definitely provides an opportunity to imbibe a healthy cycling culture. This requires a change in the mindset. The high-ups can set an example but it is important to inculcate the love for cycling among students. What better way to promote cycling culture among children than to take them on cycling excursions. ‘No to bikes’ should be the motto for the schoolchildren. Ban on underage driving should be strictly enforced and parents of defaulting children should be held responsible.

The writer is an ex-associate professor, MCM DAV