Delhi roads have become a death trap with its traffic plagued congested lanes, clogged with life threatening pollution. WHO branded Delhi as one of the top worst cities in terms of air pollution. If these unprecedented crises has taught us anything, it's how not to take anything for granted, especially our environment. For success in combatting pollution crises we must first seek reversal from before, especially to bring changes in our moving patterns.

With COVID in our lives now, everything we knew before has and will change further. Social distancing norms is our new normal. By unlocking the city, the risk of the virus spreading on public transport, be it metros, buses will only compel people to use their cars, which will in turn increase traffic jams, consequently leading to toxic air/pollution crises, which we are hoping to avoid in the first place. Cycling will play a vital role in maintaining social distancing and aiding in maintaining good air, improve health & fitness & of course also help save money on fuel.

Since lockdown, many Delhi'ites have picked cycling as a hobby. However, due to weak infrastructure and safety issues bicycle riding is more hobby based than a lifestyle choice. It’s a good start nonetheless and we must strive to not lose this window of opportunity and use these crises to our advantage in terms of the way people will use bicycle as a lifestyle choice and a permanent way to commute in the future. The transit will be gradual but is absolutely achievable. 

With a hope to encourage a cycling culture in Delhi, it's our appeal to Delhi government to lay a proper, functioning and safe cycling network in the capital for a clean, green and safe way of life.