Last week, a bus ran over a school boy in the wee hours of the morning, snuffing out a young life barely a few summers old. He was cycling to school for football practise.
As usual this has led to a debate of building cycle tracks in the city.
Here are a few observations: A cycle does not need to be registered with the RTO nor does the cyclist need a license. In fact, I am not sure there is a minimum age for a person to be cycling on the road.
The city does ‘boast’ a few tracks but what is their state? The one on Canal road is built through several trees. While we laud the conservation attempts, it can be most inconvenient to cycle around them a la slalom skiers! And that’s if one can save themselves from the overhanging branches.
Some are used by the irrepressible two wheeler drivers as they try to get ahead come what may, even going in the wrong direction. Thelavalas too set up shop here or simply park their vehicles for a siesta.
So where does that leave cyclists? In all other road lanes of course.
Everyone wants to travel safely on roads but wants someone else to do something about it.
Worse, many end up jeering the one person who waits for the red signal to turn green, practically honking him/her into deafness.
All of us who use roads, whether on wheels or walking have to respect and follow certain rules. Yes, pedestrians too use roads irresponsibly and need to relearn basics taught at school. We need to take pride in following rules. Traffic discipline has to come from within.
Hope some awakening occurs sooner rather than later…..
