The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has finalized a comprehensive plan to build bicycle lanes on the roads of Islamabad to promote cycling as an eco-friendly alternative transportation system throughout the federal capital.
The Planning and Evaluation wing of the CDA has completed the Rs1.265 billion PC-1 for the project, outlining the development of cycling lanes across Islamabad. These lanes, designed for both mechanical and electric cycles, will address car parking issues in the city by utilizing a 10-foot width of the existing greenbelt along roads.
The CDA board discussed the project in detail at its meeting on December 12. Emphasizing the youth demographic, the document noted that only 2.73% of the population is above 65, making the majority of residents suitable candidates for utilizing bicycle lanes.
Highlighting the reliance on public transport and ride-hailing services for daily mobility, the PC-I underscored that the initiative aims to offer a safe, convenient, and inclusive commuting option for those without personal vehicles in the capital.
“The aim is to invest in building bicycle lanes on the roads of Islamabad so people can have a viable option of using bikes as a mode of transportation, rather than solely relying on cars. The intended outcome for the project is an increase in uptake of cycling, reduced reliance on cars, reduced GHG [greenhouse gases] emissions from vehicles, resulting in a sustainable, eco-friendly, and equitable transportation system in Islamabad,” reads the PC-I.
CDA Chairman Anwarul Haq stated that the objective is to establish a secure citywide bicycle route network, promoting safe and accessible cycling as an equitable commuting alternative for citizens.
Three phases of the project
- In the first phase, from February to March 2024, bicycle lanes along Jinnah Avenue, Margalla Road, and G-7 and G-6 will be allocated.
- From May to November, the second phase will see setting up bicycle lanes across the remaining 14 sectors and major avenues will be undertaken.
- In the third phase, from December 2024 to February 2025, bicycle lanes will be built along Srinagar Highway and Islamabad Expressway (until PWD). There is also a plan to introduce e-bikes in the third phase.
According to the PC-1, the stations will primarily serve as parking facilities for bicycles.
E-bikes and mopeds
The project envisions introducing e-bikes and mopeds, encouraging micro-mobility users, including food delivery services, and aligning closely with Sustainable Development Goals 13 (Climate Action) and 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).
“Throughout the world, cities are making the shift to sustainable and eco-friendly transportation to reduce their carbon footprint and air pollution, especially cities like Bangalore, Manila, Tehran, Guangzhou, etc,” the PC-I read.
It further added that the project aims to address escalating traffic and parking congestion throughout the city, marking a significant step toward a more sustainable and efficient urban transportation system.