Active Mobility

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 10)

Topic: GS3 – Infrastructure

Context

Active mobility like walking and cycling is vital for sustainable urban transport. Rising accidents and pollution highlight the urgency of adopting people-friendly mobility policies.

Rising Accidents in Indian Cities

• Accidental deaths and injuries of pedestrians, cyclists, and street hawkers are increasing in metro cities.

• Although some cities have dedicated lanes for non-motorised users, motor vehicles often encroach on them.

• This makes such paths as dangerous as regular roads, highlighting the urgent need for active mobility.

Meaning of Active Mobility

• Active mobility means using human-powered modes of transport like walking, cycling, and skateboarding.

• It is used for regular travel, not just for recreation.

• Growing concerns like pollution, traffic congestion, health problems, and pedestrian deaths have brought attention to this approach.

Support Through Policies

• National initiatives such as the National Transit Oriented Development (NTOD) Policy and the Smart Cities Mission promote sustainable transport.

• International efforts like the Paris Agreement also push for eco-friendly transport to reduce carbon emissions.

Steps by Indian Cities

• Some Indian states are taking steps to promote active mobility.

• Karnataka passed an Active Mobility Bill in 2022 to protect pedestrians and cyclists and provide legal support.

• Delhi is building more cycling tracks, Pune has developed 300 km of cycling lanes, Chennai is improving roads under the Smart Cities Mission.

Importance of Active Mobility

• According to the World Health Organization, it offers social, economic, environmental, and health benefits.

• It reduces spending on fuel and healthcare, and increases business for shops due to more foot traffic.

• Walking and cycling produce very little pollution, help lower the 12% carbon emissions from road transport in India, and reduce traffic jams.

• These modes improve heart health, mental well-being, and overall public health.

Barriers to Active Mobility

• Poor infrastructure discourages people from walking or cycling.

• Over 85% of roads in India lack basic safety for non-motorised users.

• Cheap motorised transport, long distances, bad weather, and social views make active travel less popular.

• High vehicle sales and weak traffic enforcement worsen the problem.

Global Best Practices

• The Netherlands has 35,000 km of cycling lanes and leads in promoting cycling.

• The EU promotes walking and cycling under its sustainable mobility goals.

• Germany’s laws support wider sidewalks, lower speed limits, and priority for non-motorised users in urban design.

Conclusion

• Active mobility is essential for healthier, cleaner, and safer cities.

• Strong policies and better infrastructure can ensure its widespread adoption.

Practice Question: How can Indian cities promote active mobility as a sustainable and inclusive urban transport solution? Suggest policy measures and infrastructural reforms. (250 Words /15 marks)