Description
GS PAPER II: Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections of the population by the Centre and States and the Performance of these Schemes; Mechanisms, Laws, Institutions and Bodies constituted for the Protection and Betterment of these Vulnerable Sections
Context: The India Cycles4Change challenge is beginning to gain momentum in Indian cities.
- The challenge was launched last year under the Smart Cities Mission by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Cycling being seen as an important mode of safe and healthy personal transport medium that ensures social distancing, while being environmentally sustainable.
- With the launch of India Cycle4Change challenge, 107 cities registered to be a part of the cycling revolution and 41 cities undertook initiatives vis. surveys, discussions, pop-up cycle lanes, safer neighbourhoods, open street events, cycle rallies, or online campaigns that were aimed at creating a cycle friendly city.
- Cities as part of the campaign have initiated work covering approx. 400 kms of arterial roads and more than 3500 kms of neighbourhood streets.
Progress since launch of the challenge:
The challenge had a Test-Learn-Scale (TLS) approach which the participating cities adopted by testing various initiatives through quick low-cost interventions in the first phase of the challenge.
- Identifying barriers to cycling by listening to the people
- Making streets and neighbourhoods safe and fun for cycling
- Creating a cycling community
- Empowering women to cycle
- Changing everyday behaviour through campaigns
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1723860
