Kathmandu, December 14

Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Bidya Sundar Shakya today said he would introduce cycle lanes in KMC in the near future. Mayor Shakya said this at the inauguration of a cycle rally organised from Maitighar Mandala to Tinkune to mark the 25th anniversary of the metropolis.

“We are holding talks with government bodies concerned to designate a separate lane for cycles in Kathmandu. But since the roads are under jurisdiction of the Department of Road, we are not able take quick decision.” He further said he would make sure that some of the road sections in KMC got cycle lanes before his tenure expired. Shakya also urged the municipal employees to ride bicycle while commuting to the office in a bid to encourage others to use bicycles.

The government had, in 2014, declared that Maitighar-Tinkune road segment incorporate a dedicated cycle lanes on both the sides. But these cycle lanes have been used as footpath at present.

Ratna Shrestha, president of Nepal Cycle Society, said although the government announced that it had designated dedicated cycle lanes on the road section, it was not safe for cyclists. “These lanes do not meet the criteria of dedicated cycle lanes. They are similar to footpaths,” he added.