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.

1. Identifying barriers to cycling by listening to the people
2. Making streets and neighbourhoods safe and fun for cycling
3. Creating a cycling community
4. Empowering women to cycle
5. Changing everyday behaviour through campaigns

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1723860

Download PDF