THE government in Punjab has launched a pilot project where a separate lane has been designated for motorcycles and bicycles along the Ferozepur Road.
Such lanes are found in other countries as well, but they are lanes meant solelyfor bicycles. Motorcycles have to share the same space as cars.
The purpose of bike lanes is to offer people a facilitated way to commute, bypassing road congestions. When people are guaranteed a space uninterrupted by smoke-emitting vehicles and traffic signals, they are more likely to take up cycling.
As a result, cities have to deal with less emissions, less noise pollution, and reduced healthcare burden. The move in Punjab is clearly aimed at facilitating the car-owners, sparing them the hassle of sharing space with zig-zagging motorcycles.
The Punjab government must understand that the traffic issues are not rooted in the coexistence of bikes and cars in the same space; it stems from the lack of basic compliance on the part of the drivers. The only way to change the culture of carelessness is to educate the masses.
No individual should be given a driver`s licence unlessthey have takenlessons from a driving school that is regulated and audited by the government. Written and practical tests should also be made more stringent. Moreover, fines should be so high that violators would think twice before committing an offence.
