It has to be now...

Last month, a bus ran over a school boy in the wee hours of the morning, snuffing out a young life barely a few summers old. He was cycling to school for football practise. As usual this has led to a debate of building cycle tracks in the city.

Here are a few observations. A cycle does not need to be registered with the RTO nor does the cyclist need a license. In fact, I am not sure there is a minimum age for a person to be cycling on the road. The city does 'boast' a few tracks but what is their state? The one on Canal road is built through several trees. While we laud the conservation attempts, it can be most inconvenient to cycle around them a la slalom skiers! And that's if one can save themselves from the overhanging branches. Some are used by the irrepressible two wheeler drivers as they try to get ahead come what may, even going in the wrong direction. Thelavalas too set up shop here or simply park their vehicles for a siesta. So where does that leave cyclists? In all other road lanes of course.

Everyone wants to travel safely on roads but wants someone else to do something about it. Parents must use discretion in sending their children solo on busy traffic routes. Children tend to develop wrong habits as they become more confident. So parents must also travel with children often to supervise their safety awareness when cycling solo. We need to think out various means to ensure that our children cycle with safety.

We need to take pride in following rules. Traffic discipline has to come from within. Hope some awakening occurs sooner rather than later.....

Regards,

Archana