Wed Apr 09 03:00:00 UTC 2025: ## India Needs to Pedal Forward: Active Mobility Takes Center Stage

**Bengaluru, India (April 9, 2025)** – A rising number of pedestrian and cyclist deaths in Indian metro cities is highlighting the urgent need for increased active mobility – walking, cycling, and other non-motorized forms of transport. While some cities like Bengaluru, Delhi, Pune, Chennai, and Kochi are making strides, significant challenges remain.

A recent article in The Hindu examines the critical role of active mobility in addressing India’s growing traffic congestion, pollution, and public health concerns. The piece points to the success of the Karnataka Active Mobility Bill, 2022, spearheaded by Bengaluru’s Bicycle Mayor, Sathya Sankaran, as a model for other states. This bill aims to protect the rights of pedestrians and cyclists, reflecting a growing national and international focus on sustainable transportation.

The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights the numerous benefits of active mobility, including reduced healthcare costs, boosted local economies, and lower carbon emissions. Shifting towards active transport could significantly reduce India’s 12% of road transportation-related carbon emissions. However, the article stresses that the current infrastructure actively discourages active mobility. Over 85% of Indian roads fail to meet minimum safety standards for pedestrians and cyclists, coupled with the affordability of motorized transport and social perceptions favoring car ownership.

The article contrasts India’s situation with global leaders like the Netherlands, with its extensive cycling infrastructure, and the European Union’s initiatives promoting walking and cycling. Germany’s Berlin Mobility Act, prioritizing pedestrians and cyclists in urban planning, also serves as an example.

Experts Dev Nath Pathak and Ruth Anna A emphasize the need for a multi-pronged approach involving improved infrastructure, stricter enforcement of traffic regulations, and a shift in social perceptions to promote active mobility as a viable and safe transportation option in India. The ultimate goal is to create safer, healthier, and more sustainable cities.

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