Coronavirus: ‘Reset with cycling’ to build a better Bengaluru’

A campaign called #ResetWithCycling, started by Dr Arvind Bhateja and fellow cyclist Sathya Sankaran, urges everyone to forgo fossil fuel-dependent vehicles and turn to cycles

Bengaluru: Life as we know it has been altered by the coronavirus pandemic. We are spending time indoors and as a result, pollution and traffic have reduced and the environment has begun to heal. Once the lockdown is completely lifted, there are chances that we may return to our old habits, polluting our places of dwelling further. 

To stop this and to encourage the revival of our cities, Dr Arvind Bhateja, one of the top neurosurgeons in the country and Sathya Sankaran, cyclist and bicycle mayor of Bengaluru have come up with a campaign. 

‘#ResetWithCycling’ aims to bring together interested groups of cyclists, citizens, doctors, environmentalists, urban planners along with the support from the government. 

The motto — “let’s use the bicycle to reduce traffic, stress, improve health, air quality and renew our cities,” will be passed to build a better city for our future generation. 

The WHO recommends cycling during corona crisis and all over the world, volunteers have used cycle as a mode of transport to help others. According to WHO, better bicycle accessibility can support economic recovery after COVID-19. Cycling can improve public health and quality of life. Cycling infrastructure can help cities become more resilient to future shocks.

#ResetWithCycling campaign demands the following from the government: 

Declare that people on bicycles don't need a pass to move around during lockdown periods of any intensity.

Declare bicycle sale/repair shops essential service and allow them to stay open at all times during lockdowns or otherwise.

Dedicate neighbourhood shopping streets as walking/cycling only so as to provide adequate space for physical distancing.

Dedicate motor vehicle lanes on major roads for bicycle movement in such emergencies and afterwards.

It also requests people to:

Not get back into that car or motor vehicle, try the bicycle now and post lockdown.

Talk to a friend who doesn’t ride a bicycle and assist him/her to buy one and ride around.