World Bicycle Day: Differently abled cyclists in Mumbai call for no-risk rides, better roads amid growing cycling culture

(From left to right): Vinod Rawat, Vaseem Mohamad Patel and Mohan Sreenivasan

While the Mumbai Police have been encouraging cyclists to participate in the 'Sunday Streets' initiative, persons with disabilities in the city have suggested that with more such initiatives, there's an increasing need to ensure the safety of the riders, especially those with special needs. As the 6th UN Global Road Safety Week takes place from May 13-17, mid-day.com spoke to a few cyclists about their experience pedalling in the city.

For 47-year-old amputee, Vinod Rawat, discouraging remarks from people while cycling is frequent. While some appreciate his zeal, others question him for 'risking his life to ride with an artificial limb'. Vinod was six years old when he was hit by a truck driver while returning home from school in Bhandup. He lost one leg in the accident.

Rawat says, "As a child, I used to see people cycle, and wished to do the same someday. In 1997, my life turned around after I received an artificial limb. The first thing I did was to learn cycling. In just a few hours, I was able to maintain balance, and within a couple of days, I was cycling by myself. It was like a dream come true."

About his experiences of riding in the city, Rawat, who works as a project manager at Jaipur Foot's Mumbai branch, says, "A few days ago, while I was waiting at the signal near Kala Nagar, a man told a pillion rider, 'Look at him; he doesn't have a leg, yet wants to cycle'." Such comments, however, have little effect on him, says the cyclist. "I have overcome all odds, and cycling is a part of my life, irrespective of what people say. After hearing such comments, I smile back at them instead; some even give me a thumbs-up for my courage," he adds.

Vaseem Mohamad Patel, a graphic designer with mid-day and a hearing-impaired cyclist, has similar tales to share about his everyday challenges. "There are very few cycle-friendly streets in the city, and those which exist are in bad condition, with poor signages. There's always a fear that I may hurt myself while riding. Many speed-breakers do not have proper indicators or are not maintained properly. Some of the manholes have grill lids, which can cause a mishap since the cycle tyre can get stuck in it," says the Bandra resident, demanding that the authorities need to install better infrastructure for people like him.

Speaking about the difficulties faced during peak hour traffic in Mumbai, Patel says, "You will find more cyclists in the evening, as they are either returning from work or are out pedalling to stay fit. This, however, is also a peak traffic hour in Mumbai. If we have more dedicated cycling tracks, it would not only make cycling risk-free but also encourage people of all age groups to take up the activity. To encourage cycling, it should be allowed in gardens and parks too."

Cyclists among most vulnerable road users

According to a data analysis report on road accidents released by the Mumbai Traffic Police in December 2021, cyclists were among the most vulnerable road users in the city in 2020 apart from motorcyclists and pedestrians, as the three together accounted for 93 per cent of overall deaths in Mumbai, motorcyclists (49 per cent), pedestrians (42 per cent), and cyclists (2 per cent).

Recalling an incident a couple of years ago, Mohan Sreenivasan, another cyclist with a hearing disability, says, "While riding past a signal, an autorickshaw , made a sharp swerve in front of me instead of letting me pass. As a result, I lost my balance and fell, but luckily got only a cut on the knee. Imagine if there was a vehicle behind me?"

The 51-year-old, who has been cycling since his growing up days in Bombay Central's Reserve Bank of India quarters, rues the fact that the authorities have only focused on building metro and flyovers, but cycling tracks are yet to be given the attention they need. "Such tracks would not only attract avid cyclists but can also be used to commute to schools, colleges, and workplaces, inspiring people to switch to cycling both as an exercise and a cost-effective mode of transport," he says.

Lack of facilities for cyclists

As a cyclist with hearing disability, Sreenivasan says cycling on Mumbai's roads is fraught with risk as he cannot hear the traffic. "Moreover, motorists don't have the patience to wait for me to make way. There have been instances where they have attempted to overtake me after honking. Of course, they do not know that I can't hear. It would help if the authorities educate motorists about something as simple as recognising hand signals by cyclists, leaving sufficient space for them on the roads, and slowing down on narrow streets," he says.

Rawat, who has so far taught cycling to 40-odd people with disabilities, agrees. "People in Mumbai need to be more respectful towards cyclists. I have noticed that some motorists are arrogant, who keep honking to overtake. Just like other countries, the cycling culture is booming in the city as well, hence more tracks, safe parking spaces and better infrastructure are the need of the hour," he says.

Abdul Rab Kazi, founder of Everest Cycling Culture, a group with 3,100 cyclists from Mumbai, of which five are with disabilities, says, "Few people cycle to work because of poor last-mile connectivity. In trains too, it's near-impossible to carry a cycle, or even park one at the stations. Apart from infrastructure, we need to generate awareness among motorists to encourage the use of bicycles as a mode of transport." Expounding on measures to ensure the safety of members with disabilities in the group, Kazi says, "We keep two or three cyclists around them to ensure safety in traffic. In case of an injury or tyre puncture, they can get immediate response from fellow cyclists."

On cycling gaining popularity, Mumbai's cycle mayor Firoza Suresh says, "In recent times the number of cyclists has increased, especially during Covid-19 times as more people have taken up the activity for leisure. To ensure safety, people must always wear a helmet and reflective jackets while riding during the night. In the case of a disabled cyclist, a simple 'informative message' on the jacket could prove helpful."