By- Jatin KumarNEW DELHI: Delhi is high on promises, but low on delivery. Ask the cyclists using the dedicated cycle track between Khanpur and Siri Fort, who are facing daily danger and inconvenience as the lanes meant for them are routinely blocked by buses, parked vehicles and rickshaws.Shayam (26), a resident of Khanpur who cycles to work every day, said his journey begins with a struggle.“When I leave my house, I first have to fight through heavy traffic on the main road. When I finally reach the cycle track, I find buses parked there. There is a separate bus parking area, but drivers still leave their buses on the cycle lane,” he said.As a result, Shayam often avoids the cycle track and rides on the main road instead — a risky choice.“Motorcycles and cars pass at very high speed. I have narrowly escaped accidents many times,” he added.
Jha (45), a resident of Sangam Vihar, said that many cyclists have stopped using the track altogether.Jagdish (55), who cycles daily from Khanpur to his workplace, said the problems exist along almost the entire stretch.“From Khanpur to Siri Fort, bikes and cars freely enter the cycle track. Sometimes they even hit cyclists and then speed away,” he said.He added that the situation is worst near busy junctions due to heavy traffic and reckless driving.“After Siri Fort, the problems reduce, but before that it is very dangerous,” he said.
