THE GOAN NETWORK
MARGAO: On the eve of World Bicycle Day, GOACAN has called for a special road safety awareness plan for cyclists.
In a letter to Superintendent of Police (Traffic) Arvind Gawas, the NGO has pointed out that bicycles have been part of life in Goa for a very long time and were even being registered with the local bodies. However, since they are not within the ambit of the Motor Vehicles Act they have not come under any special programme of road safety.
It may be noted that the June 3 is observed as World Bicycle Day after the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution to this effect on 12th April 2018. "Acknowledging the uniqueness, longevity and versatility of the bicycle, which has been in use for two centuries, and that it is a simple, affordable, reliable, clean and environmentally fit sustainable means of transportation, fostering environmental stewardship and health, the General Assembly decided to declare 3 June as World Bicycle Day."
GOACAN in its letter further pointed out that in the last 10 years, there’s been a rise in the number of road accidents involving bicycles where there has been a steady increase in the number of deaths of cyclists.
“There has been a growth in the number of people of all ages using bicycles on a regular basis whether as a means of transport or for the purpose of physical fitness or just as a hobby. While the road network in Goa is being improved, the highways and MDRs have taken into account the needs of cyclists, but in reality very little has been done to make the dedicated lane for bicycles operational and to put the signage as required,” stated GOACAN coordinator Roland Martins.
He said the recent COVID-19 related lockdowns has seen a surge of new bicycle riders which has brought with it the urgent need to address the road safety and traffic management issues faced by cyclists.
The NGO has called upon the SP Traffic to undertake programmes, including sensitisation meetings of cycling club representatives and include cyclists in the forthcoming observation of the Road Safety Week to be observed in September 2021 and National Road Safety Month in January 2022 and prepare Special Road Safety Awareness Plan for cyclists in both districts of Goa using IEC materials which can be implemented in collaboration with the cycling clubs and the road safety & traffic management committees of the respective village panchayats and municipal councils.
