Be strict, but not harsh as civic sense holds the key

The decision of regulating cycle tracks is a welcome step but to register cases and arrest people for traffic-related violations is not justified. Only challans should be issued and if regular drives are undertaken by the traffic police, this order can be enforced effectively. To increase the use of cycle tracks, these should be repaired. More such tracks should be constructed. Sharing of cycles should be encouraged. Cyclists commuting on main roads should be penalised. 

Charanjiv Singh, Chandigarh 

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Publicise new rules effectively  

The objective behind the construction of the cycle tracks is to provide safe commuting and encourage the use of an eco-friendly mode of transportation. Motorists must be kept off the cycle tracks. Imposing fine and arrests for minor violations are harsh measures at the initial stage. The authorities need to continue their publicity campaign and make motorists aware of the need to stay away from the cycle tracks. The authorities must use the social media and other publicity mediums to spread awareness regarding this. 

DR Kapoor, Panchkula

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Persuasion can have desired impact 

Motorists should not be allowed to use the cycle tracks. This rule should be implemented strictly, but arresting for the violation of the rule is a bit harsh. Persuasion can work wonders. Signboards should be fixed up at the entry and exit points of the cycle tracks, prohibiting the entry of motorists. Cyclists should not be allowed to use main roads, where cycle tracks are available.

Bharat Bhushan Sharma, Chandigarh

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Prevent traffic snarls 

Challaning the motorists for commuting on cycle tracks is a welcome step. However, the police should ensure that there are no traffic snarls on city roads. The police should regulate traffic in peak hours and install information boards at appropriate places to educate commuters about the use of cycle tracks. Keeping in view the increasing congestion on city roads, the Administration should take steps to strengthen the public transport system. The Metro project should be revived. 

Col Balbir Singh Mathauda (retd), Chandigarh

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Arrests uncalled for 

The decision to arrest the motorists plying on the cycle tracks is uncalled for. Motorist should no use the cycle tracks but arresting them for the violation is inappropriate. Legal provisions can’t be invoked unless danger to human life is caused due to rash and negligent driving. 

RPS Chopra, Mani Majra

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Multi-pronged strategy need of the hour  

People use the cycle tracks to avoid rush on city roads. This poses threat to cyclist. For the safety of cycle tracks, road berms should be fixed at the entrance and exit points of the cycle tracks. This will prevent motorists from plying on the cycle tracks. Frequent checks by the police may also help solve the problem. Signboards should be installed, informing motorists mot to use the cycle tracks. An awareness campaign should also be launched. 

Col KJ Singh (retd)

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Make tracks user-friendly

On October 10, a cyclist was killed in a mishap with a bus at Phase VII in. Had he been using the cycle track, he would probably have been alive. Using cycle tracks not only ensures safety but also de-congests main roads. Therefore, cyclists must make a habit of using cycle tracks, wherever available. In addition to it, all cycle tracks must be made user-friendly by regular pruning of trees. Street lights should be installed to ensure proper illumination . Cyclists and rickshaw-puller should be penalised if they use roads, other than  cycle tracks. Besides, an aggressive campaign must be launched to encourage cyclists use the cycle tracks in the city. 

SS Arora, Mohali

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Step up vigil 

A lot has been said about the safety of cyclists due to rising mishaps involving them. To ensure safe commuting for them, several cycle tracks were constructed in the city. However, due to their poor maintenance, these failed to serve the desire purpose. For a long time, these could not be used due to the lack of street lights and ill-maintenance. Motorists too freely ply on the cycle tracks, posing a risk to cyclists. The police should step up the igil to prevent the use of the cycle tracks by motorists. Violators should be fined. 

Dr Shruti K Chawla, Chandigarh

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Tough measures a must

The stringent move initiated by the Chandigarh Administration against the motorists for plying on the cycle tracks and pedestrian paths would yield results. It would be better if cyclists and rickshaw-pullers are sensitised to follow the traffic rules and commute on the tracks meant for them, staying away from main roads. All cycle tracks should be illuminated and properly maintained. Road berms should be installed on both sides of the cycle tracks. On-the-spot arrests and penalties should be imposed. Surveillance through CCTV cameras may also help curtail violations. 

Bhupinder S Sealopal, Mohali

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Monitor tracks

A strong cycling culture should be built by ensuring well-maintained and encroachment-free cycle tracks.  All motorists commuting on the cycle tracks should be fined heavily. Arrest of regular offenders can also help establish the cycling culture in the city. Proper monitoring of the tracks is also a must. Regular awareness drives can be conducted. Senior officials should set an example by adopting cycling. 

Madhu RD Singh, Ambala Cantt

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Instil respect for law

Indians love to violate the rules. Some feel proud of it. It is the duty of all to follow the traffic rules. The need is to instill the respect for the law of the land among people. Main roads and cycle track should be separated by iron grills. The police should step up the vigil. Cyclists too should be sensitised to use the tracks meant for them. 

Vidya Sagar Garg, Panchkula

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Build infrastructure

The UT Administration has invested a huge amount on the cycles tracks but failed to promote cycling in the city. The Administration should immediately mark the hurdles that come in the way of cyclists. There are a numbers of markets in the city, where cycle tracks can’t be constructed. The Administration should first build the required infrastructure, then go for challaning.    

Sukhpal Singh, Chandigarh

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Show no leniency  

The use of the cycle tracks by the motorists has defeated it purpose. The authorities too failed to act against the violators, only waking up after the High Court rap. The only remedy is strict action against the violators. At the same time, cyclists/rickshaw-pullers should be made to ply on on the cycle tracks. 

AS Ahuja, Panchkula

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Obey traffic rules

Strict action against those violating the traffic rules is the need of the hour. There is a dire need to take strict action against defaulters. The decision of the Chandigarh Police to arrest the offenders is right. People should obey the traffic rules. 

Bir Devinder Singh Bedi, Chandigarh

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Spread awareness

Arresting people for using the cycle tracks under the Indian Penal Code and the Motor Vehicle Act can’t be justified. Motorists should be given a severe warning or fined if they use the cycle tracks for commuting. The traffic police should meet representatives of the resident welfare associations and market committees to educate people about the rules. 

Priya Darsh Growar, Mohali

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Deploy more security staff on city roads

Commuting on the cycle tracks by motorists is a common practice, It is done to escape traffic snarls. There is no doubt that the police can flex their muscles by acting against such commuters but before doing that, awareness should be created about the issue. More security staff should be deployed at vulnerable points to check the menace.

Harish Kapur, Chandigarh

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Hold orientation programmes

The government has spent a huge amount on the construction of the cycle tracks. If these tracks are misused by a few, the purpose behind their creation would be defeated. Therefore, strict action should be taken against those violating the rules. The action of the traffic police to book the violators is a move in the right direction. Orientation programmes should be held for the public to make them follow the rules. 

Shashi Kumar Sharma, Chandiagrh

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Enforce norms

The solution lies in the enforcement of the rules. People should be apprised of the exact date and time of the commencement of any measure. After that, no leniency should be adopted towards the violators. 

Tarlok Singh, MHC, Mani Majra

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Educate people first

Before acting against motorists for the violation of the traffic rules, at least for a fortnight, the police should educate the public not to use the cycle tracks while riding a motor vehicle. Similarly, cyclists should be told to stay away from the main roads. Keeping the fine for the violation at Rs 5,000 if fine, but arresting people for it too harsh. 

K C Rana, Chandigarh

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Put up signboards 

Entry and exit points of the cycle tracks should be displayed on signboards. Initially, a soft approach should be adopted but if people fail to mend their ways, strict action should be taken against them.   

It has been seen that during peak traffic hours, vendors occupy these tracks, for which they should be penalised. 

Anokh Singh Kahlon, Mohali

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Stick to your lane 

Commuters should stick to the lanes, roads or stretches earmarked for them. It is often seen that instead of using the cycle tracks for commuting, cyclists and rickshaw-pullers clutter the main roads. They should be challaned for such a violation. In addition to it, the authorities should ensure that all cycle tracks are ready for commuting. 

SC Luthra, Chandigarh

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Adopt zero tolerance 

The recent decision of the Chandigarh Police to arrest the motorists plying on the cycle tracks is harsh but not altogether wrong. No leniency should be adopted towards those who do not follow the rules regarding it. Putting hoardings at prominent places, highlighting the action to be taken against such violators, will help check the problem. Commuters should realise that the new rules are for their own safety. All of us must abide by the rules, which are essential for our own safety. 

Rajender Kumar Garg, Zirakpur

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Let police exercise their powers  

Promoting cycling in the city is a laudable move. The police must be allowed to exercise its powers to check traffic violations, instead of only issuing warnings and advisories. Else, the move will prove to be a futile exercise. The police should be given a free hand to tackle traffic violations. People too need to understand the gravity of the situation by adhering to the rules and regulations. 

Upasana Bhargava, Chandigarh

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QUESTION

The Chandigarh Administration is considering the idea of allowing the shops to remain open round the clock. It has sought views from traders on the issue. Do you think the proposal holds any weight. Can this be implemented? Would it be beneficial for city residents in any way? 

Send your suggestions in not more than 70 words at [email protected]