As my friend was driving through the busy lanes of New Delhi, a sudden movement caught his eye- an eight-year-old child darted in front of his car. His heart pounded as he slammed the brakes, narrowly avoiding a collision. Before he could fully process what had just happened, the child vanished into the maze of traffic. Concerned for the boy’s safety, the driver instinctively followed him. After some inquiry, he discovered that the child was on his way to return a comic book to a friend- something he did daily, cycling nearly five kilometers through the city’s chaotic streets.

His story is not unique. Every day, thousands of cyclists and pedestrians navigate New Delhi’s perilous roads, braving speeding vehicles and inadequate infrastructure. Many cyclists shed their blood on New Delhi’s roads, and some are permanently disabled due to accidents.

The recent killing of a 19-year-old student by an unidentified vehicle while distributing newspapers on his cycle in Rohini has once again highlighted the dangers cyclists face on city roads. Last year, there was a 77% increase in cyclist fatalities in the capital compared to the previous year. According to Delhi Police, there were 53 fatal accidents in 2024, the same number of lives lost. In contrast, 2023 saw 29 accidents with 30 fatalities. The total number of accidents involving cyclists last year was 149, slightly higher than 141 in 2023. However, the number of injured cyclists decreased from 118 in 2023 to 106 in 2024.

Data from 2022 to 2024 shows that fatalities peaked last year, with 48 deaths in 2022 and 134 injuries. As of February 15, 2025, four fatal accidents have already occurred, injuring nine cyclists.

In a recent interview with Rohit Baluja, president of the Institute of Road Traffic Education, conducted by Times of India, he pointed out that cycling and walking are healthy, non-polluting, and beneficial in every way, and cities should encourage these activities.

Apart from reckless drivers, cyclists also face broken cycle tracks, potholes, and encroached streets, making even motorcyclists vulnerable.

In a separate interview, Ajay Chaudhary, Special Commissioner of Police (Traffic), emphasized the importance of cyclists using designated lanes while riding. He mentioned that traffic police have been conducting drives to enhance cyclists’ visibility, particularly at night. As part of these efforts, reflective tapes have been applied to the backs of cycles to increase visibility.

This raises an urgent question: How can we make urban spaces safer and more accessible for non-motorized transport?

Here we’ll be examining the challenges of bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure in Delhi, exploring solutions, analyze global and domestic case studies, evaluate government policies, and discuss how these initiatives can enhance tourism while ensuring sustainability.

Issues in Bicycle and Pedestrian Infrastructure

Delhi’s roads lack designated lanes for cyclists, exposing them to the dangers of high-speed motor traffic. The few cycle tracks that exist, such as the ones near BRT corridors, suffer from poor maintenance and encroachments. Similarly, many sidewalks are either occupied by street vendors, parked vehicles, or are in a state of disrepair, making them inaccessible to pedestrians.

Across the globe, the percentage of children who walk or cycle to school has dropped from 82% to 14% in the last 30 years. In Delhi, this decline is evident, with cycling largely viewed as a sport rather than a mode of transport. Meanwhile, Delhi has over 12 million registered vehicles, leading to severe air pollution and road congestion. Encouraging non-motorized transport (NMT) could significantly curb pollution levels, a point emphasized in a TERI (The Energy and Resources Institute) study, which states that shifting 20% of Delhi’s short-distance trips to cycling can reduce carbon emissions by 11% annually.

Even in tourist-heavy areas like India Gate, Connaught Place, and Red Fort, the lack of walkable and bicycle-friendly infrastructure makes sustainable exploration difficult. Despite the Delhi Development Authority’s (DDA) plan to establish 250 bicycle stands in Dwarka and metro stations offering bicycle rentals, shared-mobility has been shrinking. 

Possible Solutions

A well-connected network of segregated bicycle lanes and walkways can improve road safety and encourage non-motorized commuting. Installing well-marked zebra crossings, pedestrian bridges, and traffic-calming measures such as speed bumps can enhance safety.

Expanding Delhi’s bike-sharing programs like Yulu and SmartBike with docking stations at metro hubs and tourist areas can promote last-mile connectivity. Creating pedestrian-only zones around heritage sites (e.g., Connaught Place, India Gate, Chandni Chowk) can enhance visitor experience while reducing congestion.

A promising development is the Rs 550 crore ‘Cycle Walk’ project, which will loop around the city, connecting metro stations, bus stands, industrial zones, and educational districts. Nearly 7 km of this track will be elevated, while the rest will be at surface level (DDA). However, cyclists argue that dedicated tracks alone will not solve the problem, as many existing lanes are encroached upon by hawkers and motorbikes, forcing them onto main roads with unorganized traffic (Jitendra Jassel, cycling enthusiast).

Lessons from Global Success Stories

While Delhi struggles with integrating cycling infrastructure, European cities offer valuable lessons. In Amsterdam and The Hague, Netherlands, 70% of all journeys are made on bicycles (World Cycling Alliance). The infrastructure includes dedicated cycle paths, smooth surfaces, separate traffic signals, and wide lanes to allow side-by-side cycling and overtaking.

Similarly, Copenhagen, Denmark, boasts a 675-km-long network of bike lanes, where 49% of daily commutes are made by bicycle. Investments in segregated cycling highways and dedicated traffic signals have significantly reduced accidents.

The impact of this cycling culture is evident in key statistics:

• Copenhagen residents who cycle contribute to 1.1 million fewer sick days annually, highlighting the health benefits of cycling.
• Cyclists in Denmark collectively reduce CO₂ emissions by 20,000 tonnes per year, making a significant contribution to sustainability.
• Every kilometre traveled by bike instead of by car results in €1 (USD 1.16) gained in health benefits, showcasing the economic advantages of cycling.
• Children who bike to school can focus for up to four hours longer per day than those who commute by car, proving the cognitive benefits of an active lifestyle.

Delhi can learn from Denmark by improving cycling infrastructure, ensuring dedicated, uninterrupted cycle lanes, and promoting cycling as a primary mode of transport. Implementing similar policies can lead to healthier citizens, reduced pollution, and a more sustainable urban environment.

In Paris, France, the expansion of over 600 km of bike lanes and the introduction of car-free policies in certain districts resulted in a 30% reduction in car usage in central Paris. Singapore’s Active Mobility Act ensures that pedestrian zones remain accessible and free from encroachments, making urban travel safer for non-motorized users.

Success Stories in India

1. Chandni Chowk Redevelopment Project, New Delhi

• Introduced pedestrian-friendly streets in the congested marketplace.
• Vehicle movement restrictions improved walkability and shopping experiences for tourists and locals.
• Initial opposition from businesses turned into increased foot traffic and revenue.

2. Jaipur’s Walled City Initiative

• Implemented pedestrian zones near Hawa Mahal and City Palace.
• Resulted in increased tourist footfall and reduced vehicular congestion.

Delhi can replicate these models by integrating bicycle and pedestrian lanes in areas like Connaught Place, Central Vista, and Red Fort.

Government Schemes and Their Impact

1. Smart Cities Mission

• Promotes sustainable urban development with non-motorized transport infrastructure.
• Some redesigns in Connaught Place and Chandni Chowk have been successful.
• Many projects remain incomplete due to funding delays and bureaucratic challenges.

2. Delhi Master Plan 2041

• Aims to make Delhi a walkable and bicycle-friendly city by increasing NMT share by 50%.
• Challenges: Slow policy execution and land acquisition issues.

3. Cycle4Change Challenge (Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs)

• Aims to improve cycling infrastructure in Indian cities.
• Delhi’s pilot projects had limited impact due to lack of dedicated space for cyclists.

4. National Urban Transport Policy (NUTP)

• Advocates for pedestrian and cycling-friendly urban mobility.
• Yet to see effective on-ground implementation in Delhi.

Despite government initiatives, the 2018 Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs Survey found that 48% of Delhiites support bicycle-friendly roads only if safety measures are improved.

How Sustainable Mobility Can Boost Tourism in Delhi?

Delhi, rich in heritage and culture, attracts millions of tourists annually. However, traffic congestion, air pollution, and lack of pedestrian-friendly zones often hinder the travel experience. Integrating sustainable mobility solutions like dedicated cycling lanes, pedestrian-only zones near heritage sites, and eco-friendly transport options can enhance tourism while reducing environmental impact.

For instance, cities like Paris and Amsterdam have successfully implemented bike-friendly tourism, offering rental bicycles near major landmarks. Delhi could adopt similar initiatives by providing bicycle rental hubs at India Gate, Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, and Connaught Place, allowing tourists to explore the city at their own pace while reducing their carbon footprint.

Additionally, eco-friendly transport options like e-bikes and electric shuttles in historical and cultural districts could make travel smoother, greener, and more enjoyable for visitors. A well-planned sustainable tourism model can not only reduce Delhi’s pollution levels but also make it a more attractive destination for both domestic and international travelers. 

While Delhi has taken significant steps towards improving cycling infrastructure, including projects like the ₹550 crore ‘Cycle Walk’ initiative and dedicated tracks under the Cycle4Change mission, challenges remain. Encroachments, lack of safety, and poor integration with existing transport systems continue to hinder the growth of cycling as a reliable mode of daily commuting.

Cities like Amsterdam, The Hague, and Copenhagen demonstrate that with well-planned infrastructure, policy support, and a cultural shift, cycling can become a primary mode of urban transport. The success of Denmark’s cycling model- where cycling improves health, environmental sustainability, and economic benefits- shows the immense potential for Delhi.

For cycling to truly take off, authorities must ensure well-maintained, obstacle-free tracks, secure parking for high-end bicycles, and effective last-mile connectivity. Additionally, the integration of e-bikes and shared mobility solutions can encourage more people to choose bicycles over cars, reducing traffic congestion and pollution.

With the right approach, Delhi can transform into a cycling-friendly city, promoting health, sustainability, and a better urban living experience for all.