What if everyone in Dhaka takes up the bicycle as a mode of transportation?

June 3rd is International Bicycle Day. Imagine Dhaka, a bustling metropolis known for its traffic jams and pollution, suddenly becoming a city of cyclists. The idea of everyone switching to bicycles for transportation sounds utopian, but what would the real impact be?

To back it up more, Paris has recently undergone a bicycle revolution.

Between 2022 and 2023, bike lane usage in Paris doubled, and the city aims to expand bicycle lanes around busy metro lines.

Bicycle rentals, like Velib, have increased, adding 3,000 bikes since March. By 2021, bikes accounted for 5.6% of all trips in Paris, reflecting a broader trend since a 2019 transport strike.

Paris has cut traffic by 40% over 12 years. The City Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, has allocated $250 million to enhance Paris's cycling infrastructure by 2026, spurred by the upcoming Olympic Games.

Abir Hassan, a student from BUTEX, is a regular cyclist taking a route along 60 Feet Road, continuing through Bijoy Sarani and onto Tejgaon Road. "I had to regularly dodge the reckless driving of bus drivers to reach university. There are not enough cycling lanes in the city," said Abir, explaining his bicycling challenges. Can we create a parallel city for them?

Will everyone be supportive of the idea?

Choosing cycling en masse requires a cultural shift. Many residents view cars and motorcycles as status symbols. Changing this mindset would require public awareness campaigns and incentives from the government and city corporations.

Besides, people with health complications like spinal injuries, chronic lung diseases, severe arthritis, bone damage, ageing, or even pregnancies may hinder themselves from taking up cycling. So, there have to be some alternatives for their cases.

The infrastructural changes required

Dhaka must build a comprehensive network of cycling lanes, secure parking, and bike-sharing programs. The initial cost and logistical challenges of transforming urban infrastructure could be substantial.

The Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP) study highlights that cities transitioning to cycling require extensive planning and financial investment. Both city corporations need large amounts of funding to materialize this dream.

Population health in the long run

Cycling is an excellent form of exercise. It promotes cardiovascular health, boosts immunity, improves muscle tone, and aids weight management.

The general population would likely see a decrease in lifestyle-related diseases like obesity and heart disease, and people would be less dependent on over-the-counter medicines.

Farewell traffic tension

Dhaka city is notorious for its infamous traffic congestion.  Bicycles take up less space and can help ease the gridlock, leading to faster and more efficient urban mobility around the city. No more staying stuck in life-sucking traffic, reaching your destination at ease.

Population psychology shift

A nonmaterialistic culture shift will soon be established. Regular muscle activity will soon raise the gross happiness index. Bodily movement through cycling reduces stress and anxiety levels, contributing to better overall mental health. Thanks to the release of endorphins, it enhances mood and cognitive function.

Economical equity

Adopting bicycles as a form of transportation could save average-income households on fuel, maintenance, and public transport fares.

A report by the World Bank highlighted that transportation costs in Dhaka consume up to 30% of an average household's income​. Switching to bicycles could significantly reduce these expenses, boosting disposable income and economic resilience.

Cycling is much cheaper for car owners than maintaining motor vehicles. A well-off family dependent on two-wheelers will lessen the social gap between the economic classes.

Cycling will be the new status equalizer. On a larger scale, reduced reliance on imported fuels could benefit the national economy.

A bicycle boom would likely spur growth in related industries such as bicycle manufacturing, repair shops, and cycling gear retailers, creating new employment opportunities.

Environment upgrade

People will wake up with birds chirping. Imagine there's no annoying horn honking, no chaos on the roads of Gulistan, Paltan or Sadarghat.

The air will forever be fresh—no more carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, lead, or toxic organic compounds contaminating your daily routine.

You can breathe your lungs out even at the bank of Buriganga. Speaking of rivers, the water purity will level up. There is no extra pressure on gas pumping or oil mining, which will reduce the price of the overall production chain. The sky will be visibly clear at night without any presence of pollution.

Moonsonal misery

Dhaka's weather is a challenge. The hot, humid weather, not to mention the fatal heatwave, will make cycling on a broad day extremely dehydrating.

The monsoon causes waterlogged lanes and highways in Dhaka. Drenched cyclists pushing bicycles through newly made street canals won't be a postcard image.

Proper infrastructure—like shaded bike lanes, slippery slope reduction, and reconstructing the drainage system by both north and south—would be essential to keep the city pedalling year-round.

Safety mayhem

Keeping a fleet of cycles operational on Dhaka's roads could be challenging. The city must prioritize building dedicated bike lanes and enforcing traffic laws to protect cyclists.

A network of repair shops and readily available spare parts would be necessary to keep the wheels turning. This vast supply of parts creates extra hassle.

Pedestrians need to be educated about bicycle mishaps on the streets. Both rider and passerby may get injured.

The challenges are real, but the potential rewards are undeniable. A Dhaka on bicycles would be a healthier, happier, and more efficient city. With proper planning and investment, this utopian vision can become a reality. Let's get Dhaka pedalling!

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