The first core committee meeting of the India Cycles4Change Challenge programme in Kochi was conducted by Cochin Smart Mission Limited on 27th August 2020. The meeting was held to finalise the route and the implementation strategy of the challenge.
The core committee discussed the possibilities for implementing the dedicated cycle lanes/tracks in different parts of the city. The meeting was chaired by Sh. Alkesh Kumar Sharma, IAS, CEO, CSML. The committee included District Collector, Secretary- Kochi Municipal Corporation, Deputy Transport Commissioner- MVD, ACP Traffic, Kochi metro representatives, Cyclists, GIZ team members, cHED representatives along with CSML team. India Cycles4Change challenge is an initiative of Smart Cities Mission, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India, which aims to help cities to connect with their citizens as well as experts to develop a unified vision and initiatives to promote cycling and its infrastructure.
As Cycling should be a fun activity, it is essential to carry out awareness programmes and improve road infrastructure to enhance the facilities for cyclists. The intent of the challenge is to give feel-good effect to cyclists and encourage more people to take up cycling not only for leisure but also as a mode of transport to places of work. It would envisage a major change in Kochi after this cycle programme. The awareness programmes will be carried out after Onam
said Sharma.
Cochin Smart Cities Mission has taken this opportunity to make a difference on the streets. This dedicated cycle lanes will help the cyclists to have a safe and smooth corridor.
Kochi has to do a pilot project which includes a 5 km stretch along the road and also submit a proposal to win the Indiacycles4change Challenge. October 14th is the last date for the submission of the proposal. 11 Winning cities will go to the second level and scale it up the proposed plans.
Cochin Smart Mission limited has started an online survey to find out the opinion of the people of Kochi regarding cycling with entries from more than 1000 people. The survey is now open for ideas from citizens through the link: https://forms.gle/6qzMKNPicPY2PwMs9
