Does Noida really intend to be cycle-friendly?

A cycle-friendly Noida, the touted project of the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Akhilesh Yadav, seems to have fallen flat on its face. Take for instance the line of cars seen parked on the cycle tracks next to Stellar Park in sector 62, Noida.

Cycle tracks have been developed since the last three years, with a total of Rs 49 crore already spent on this project. Noida Authority, however, seems least interested in the upkeep and maintainence of the tracks even after spending a fortune on them.

Reena Bajaj, an avid Noida cyclist, said,  "If cars are parked on tracks meant for bicycles, where are the cyclists supposed to go? Noida Authority's role doesn't just end with the development of tracks. It is also the Authority's duty to ensure that the tracks are being used only by cycles," added Bajaj.

RS Yadav, Project Engineer of Noida Authority, told City Spidey that every rule cannot be implemented by force. "Citizens should themselves understand that they are not supposed to park their cars on these tracks. People need to be educated about the cycle tracks and we will try to spread awareness so that such instances don't recur.