What is Active Mobility?
- Refers to non-motorised, human-powered modes of transport: walking, cycling, skateboarding, etc.
- Used for travel, not just recreation.
- Core to sustainable urban transport, especially amid rising urban population and traffic congestion.
Relevance : GS 1(Society ,Urbanisation)
Why is Active Mobility Crucial in India?
Rising Urban Risks & Road Fatalities
- Pedestrian deaths rising: Karnataka reported 13% of India’s pedestrian fatalities in 2020.
- Encroachment and misuse of pedestrian/cycling paths by vehicles increase accident risks.
- Vulnerable groups (elderly, children, hawkers) face daily road safety threats.
Urbanisation and Congestion
- Rapid, unregulated urbanisation has outpaced transport planning.
- India’s cities are seeing unprecedented traffic congestion and air pollution.
- 12% of India’s carbon emissions come from road transport (MoEFCC data).
Health Benefits
- WHO: Active mobility reduces lifestyle diseases (obesity, diabetes, hypertension).
- Promotes mental well-being, reduces healthcare burden.
- Physical activity integrated into daily life encourages long-term fitness.
Economic & Environmental Gains
- Cuts fuel expenses and household transport costs.
- Boosts local economies — pedestrian zones see more footfall and retail activity.
- Reduces urban air pollution and supports climate action goals (Paris Agreement, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities).
Policy and Legislative Initiatives in India
Karnataka Active Mobility Bill, 2022
- Inspired by Bengaluru’s Bicycle Mayor Sathya Sankaran.
- Aims to protect rights of pedestrians and cyclists.
- Focus on legal guarantees for non-motorised transport (NMT) access, safety, and space.
State-Level Initiatives
- Delhi: Creating pedestrian- and cycle-friendly infrastructure under its EV Policy.
- Pune: 300+ km of cycling lanes, Comprehensive Bicycle Plan.
- Chennai: Road redesigns under Smart Cities Mission (SCM).
- Kochi: Public Bicycle Sharing (PBS) for last-mile connectivity.
Barriers to Active Mobility in India
Infrastructure Deficiencies
- 85%+ roads fail to meet safety norms for pedestrians/cyclists (2021 data).
- Missing: footpaths, cycling lanes, crossing points, and shade cover.
Socioeconomic and Cultural Challenges
- Motorised transport = social status symbol.
- Cars/bikes seen as markers of success — cultural resistance to walking/cycling.
Climatic & Geographic Constraints
- Harsh weather, pollution, and long distances discourage non-motorised travel.
- Inadequate public transport integration with NMT.
Lack of Enforcement
- Motor vehicles often use pedestrian/cycle lanes without penalty.
- Weak traffic enforcement emboldens violations and endangers users.
Global Best Practices
The Netherlands
- 35,000+ km of dedicated cycle lanes.
- Urban planning prioritises cyclist and pedestrian safety.
- Bicycle-first cities like Amsterdam integrate NMT with public transport.
Germany – Berlin Mobility Act
- Mandates wider sidewalks, dedicated bike lanes, speed restrictions.
- Pedestrians and cyclists get legal priority in urban planning.
European Union – Vision Zero
- Goal: Zero fatalities from road accidents involving non-motorised users.
- Focus on urban redesign and traffic calming measures.
Way Forward for India
- National NMT Policy: Develop a central policy framework mandating active mobility in city plans.
- Infrastructure Investment: Build dedicated, continuous, and protected lanes for walking and cycling.
- Behavioral Campaigns: Promote cultural shifts away from car-dependence to people-centric mobility.
- Integration with Public Transit: Enable seamless multimodal travel (e.g., PBS + Metro stations).
- Stricter Enforcement: Penalise encroachment of NMT spaces, ensure right-of-way protection.
- Urban Design Reform: Prioritise mixed-use neighborhoods, compact cities, and inclusive streetscapes.
