In a move towards sustainable urban transport, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has officially launched the ‘Cycling as an Alternative Transport’ initiative. The project aims to establish dedicated cycling lanes spanning over 146 kilometers across the federal capital, with a goal to alleviate traffic congestion and diminish the city’s carbon footprint.
The CDA emphasizes that the project’s focal point is to create a safe cycling environment, enabling women and senior citizens to comfortably utilize the designated tracks. The extensive plan comprises three phases, set to reach completion by February 2025.
During the initial phase in February and March of the upcoming year, the CDA intends to construct cycling lanes along prominent areas such as Jinnah Avenue, Margalla Road, G-7, and G-6. Subsequently, from May to November, the second phase will cover the remaining 14 sectors and major avenues of Islamabad.
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In the concluding stage, scheduled from December 2024 to February 2025, the project will extend cycling lanes along the Srinagar Highway and Islamabad Expressway, reaching up to PWD. Excitingly, the CDA plans to introduce electric bikes in this final phase, collaborating with a private company to offer electric bike rentals at 72 locations across the city.
These electric bikes will travel at a maximum speed of 30 kilometers per hour on dedicated, signal-free lanes. With a total estimated cost of Rs. 1.5 billion, the Member of Technology and Digitization assures the completion of the project. The CDA has already drafted a Project Concept Paper (PC-I), which will be presented for discussion during the upcoming board meeting scheduled for tomorrow. The PC-I underscores the widespread use of public transport by Islamabad residents and highlights the anticipated benefits of this transformative initiative.
