Over 110 cyclists injured, 28 killed in road accidents in last three years in Bengaluru

Such accidents are a matter of concern as more cyclists are hitting the road after the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. Lack of road infrastructure, absence of dedicated lanes for the cyclists and growing traffic congestion are posing risks to the lives of cyclists

According to Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) B.R. Ravikanthe Gowda, most cyclists who got killed in accidents were those who use bicycles daily to commute to work. | Photo Credit: K. MURALI KUMAR

In the last three years, more than 110 cyclists were injured and as many as 28 killed in road accidents in Bengaluru. Such accidents are a matter of concern as more cyclists are hitting the road after the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. Lack of road infrastructure, absence of dedicated lanes for the cyclists and growing traffic congestion are posing risks to the lives of cyclists.

Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) B.R. Ravikanthe Gowda said that most cyclists who got killed in accidents were those who use bicycles daily to commute to work. “Motorists such as car drivers, bikers, and heavy vehicle drivers should realise that pedestrians and cyclists too have rights while using the roads and this is one of the factors leading to accidents. We have also approached civic authorities to provide necessary infrastructure in the interest of the cyclists,” he said.

In Bengaluru, barring a few places such as the Outer Ring Road (Silk Board towards K.R. Puram) and some stretches of the central business district (CBD), dedicated lanes are not available.

On the ORR, regular cyclists often complain about bikers using the lanes, broken bollards, and poor condition of the lanes.

In the absence of lanes, cyclists are forced to use the main lanes. Charan Raj, who works as a security guard, said, “I live near Hebbal and use my bicycle to reach Majestic as I cannot afford other modes of transport. It is difficult to ride a bicycle when there is more traffic. I use the footpath if it is wider, if not, I use the main lanes. Motorists unnecessarily honk at cyclists while crossing the road or hurl abuses.”

On the other hand, cyclists who go on long rides, including to destinations such as Nandi Hills, have demanded that the authorities should work on providing safe passage for cyclists. One such cyclist, Saurav R. said, “During weekends, many cyclists prefer to go to Nandi Hills or other areas on the outskirts. If the authorities work on providing safe passage, it will help hundreds of cyclists. Riding on highways is very risky as other vehicles move at very high speed.”

Photos | Able, unable & disabled light up TCS World 10K Bengaluru run 2022

Images of the more-able people joining hands with people with disabilities brought out the real spirit of the TCS World 10K 2022 that took place in Bengaluru on May 15, 2022.

Narayan T V, Chief Marketing Officer, IDFC FIRST Bank (left); Higher Education Minister C N Ashwath Narayan; Sunil Deshpande, Centre Head, TCS-Bangalore; Karnataka Sports Minister Narayana Gowda; K. Govindaraj, president, Karnataka Athletic Association & Basketball Federation of India; E S Chakravarthy, Vice President & Global Head Resource Management Group; Rajendra Kataria (right), Principal Secretary, Transport, Horticulture and Sericulture, at the launch of the 14th edition of the TCS World 10K Bengaluru run, in Bengaluru on March 15, 2022.

BENGALURU KARNATAKA 15/05/2022 : Ashwini Puneeth Rajkumar, wife of late actor Puneeth Rajkumar, flagging off Maja run, at TCS World 10K 2022 Bengaluru run, at Sree Kantheerava Stadium, in Bengaluru on May 15, 2022. Photo MURALI KUMAR K / The Hindu

Participants of the Maja Run (fun run), at the TCS World 10K 2022, at Sree Kanteerava Stadium, in Bengaluru on May 15, 2022.

People had turned up in huge numbers to participate and to cheer participants, at the TCS World 10K 2022, in Bengaluru on May 15, 2022.

The TCS World 10K 2022 is about highlighting the causes that are dear to you.

BENGALURU   KARNATAKA   15/05/2022 :   Runners participate in the Maja run, at the TCS World 10K 2022 Bengaluru run, at Sree Kantheerava Stadium, in Bengaluru on May 15, 2022.  Photo MURALI KUMAR K / The Hindu

BENGALURU   KARNATAKA   15/05/2022 :   Runners participate in the Maja run, at the TCS World 10K 2022 Bengaluru run, at Sree Kantheerava Stadium, in Bengaluru on May 15, 2022.  Photo MURALI KUMAR K / The Hindu

Athletes from around the world took part in the TCS World 10K 2022, in Bengaluru on May 15, 2022. The athletes on the landmark M G Road in Bengaluru.

Athletes at the TCS World 10K 2022, in Bengaluru on May 15, 2022.

Retired American sprinter Justin Gatlin captures the moment Kenyan athlete Irene Cheptai crosses the finish line to win the World 10k Elite Women run, at TCS World 10K 2022, at Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on May 15, 2022.

Kenya's Irene Cheptai, winner of the World 10k Elite Women run, flanked by Hellen Obiri and Joyce Tete, at TCS World 10K 2022, at Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on May 15, 2022.

Kenya's Nicholas Kipkorir, winner of the World 10k Elite Men run, flanked by Ethiopia's Tasers Worku and Kenya's Kibiwott Kandie, at TCS World 10K 2022, at Sree Kanteerava Stadium, in Bengaluru on May 15, 2022.

Parul Chaudhary won the Indian Women 10k run, at TCS World 10K 2022, in Bengaluru on May 15, 2022.

Abhishek Pal, winner of Indian Men's 10K run, flanked by Gulvewer Singh and Kartik Kumar, at the TCS World 10K 2022, at Sree Kanteerava Stadium, in Bengaluru on May 15, 2022.

The heroes of the TCS World 10K 2022, in Bengaluru on May 15, 2022.

Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar of Mysuru, after finishing his run, at the TCS World 10K 2022, at Sree Kanteerava Stadium, in Bengaluru on May 15, 2022 wants to know if you will be there at this king-size event next year.

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Meanwhile, Commissioner of Directorate of Urban Land Transport V. Manjula said the directorate was working on a cycling network plan across various zones. “We are in discussion with the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike on providing the required infrastructure. Designs for the development of 120-km cycle lanes on 12 high-density corridors have been shared with the Karnataka Road Development Corporation and other agencies. On many roads, the cycle lanes have already been developed and works are in progress in many locations,” she added.