The Jayanagar cycle track has long been inaugurated and long been forgotten too, it seems. Even before it took off. Inaugurated more than a month ago, the cycle track has been left unused, except that the dedicated tracks have been turned into parking area.
One major lacunae in the project seems to be the fact that a number of people claim they do not know what the symbols on the track mean.
“I thought it was some kind of a political party symbol. There should be more awareness about a project that is so new to our country,” said one resident who did not wish to be named.
One driver, A Raju, had parked on one of the crossroads in Jayanagar Third Block right over the cycle track. He said he did not know that he was not allowed to park over the tracks. “I didn’t know it was a cycle track and I can’t park. And there are other vehicles parked here, so I didn’t know that I was making a mistake,” he added. He parked his vehicle elsewhere once he learnt about the cycle tracks.
On the other hand, Pramod C, an architect, did not think it was necessary for him to follow the rules even though he knew that this was a cycle track. His argument was: “No one uses the track. I have seen dedicated tracks for autos and buses in Chennai and they are used by autos and buses. Although the tracks are here, no one uses and I need the parking space.”
Vijaykumar, an autodriver, also parked on the cycle track but admitted that he knew what the tracks were meant for. “There are no proper footpaths for people, now why even bother with cycle tracks!” he quipped.
The cycle track has become a running track for a few in the early mornings. “I go for a run quite regularly in the mornings in Jayanagar and these days more than cyclists, I see others like me using the track for running, jogging or their morning walks rather than cycling. There is no proper footpaths for running, so these tracks make it safer and vehicles do seem to keep out of my way most days,” said Priya S.
