CDA unveils plan to construct dedicated cycling track in Islamabad

By Faizan Khan

ISLAMABAD: In a landmark initiative to foster a culture of cycling, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has unveiled a comprehensive plan to construct a cycling track network throughout Islamabad.

The ambitious project, with an investment of Rs2.4 billion, aims to promote sustainable and healthy transportation alternatives.

CDA Chairman, Captain (retd) Anwar Ul Haq, has been apprised of the project’s progress and its potential impact on the city’s urban landscape.

Spanning 374 kilometres, the proposed cycling tracks will ensure seamless connectivity across all sectors, facilitating easy and safe travel for cyclists.

The design includes integration with the existing metro bus route, enhancing the convenience for commuters to switch between modes of transport.

The project has garnered positive feedback from the public, who eagerly anticipate its swift completion.

The development is scheduled for completion within 18 months, during which 150 bicycle parking stands will be established, each accommodating over 40 bicycles, thereby addressing the need for secure parking solutions for cyclists.

Globally, dedicated cycling tracks are a hallmark of developed nations committed to environmental sustainability and public health.

Countries like the Netherlands, Denmark and Germany are renowned for their extensive cycling infrastructure, featuring segregated cycle tracks demarcated by barriers, bollards, or boulevards.

Major cities outside Europe, including New York, Melbourne, Ottawa, Vancouver and San Francisco, have also embraced this trend, significantly enhancing their cycling networks.

These developments underscore the growing recognition of cycling as a vital component of urban planning and a key to fostering healthier, more resilient cities.