Cycle City Network Nepal was established to promote the use of bicycles in Kathmandu and help protect green spaces, monuments, and buildings from the adverse effects of pollution. “We aim to make our capital city a cycle friendly zone,” says Palishtha Dangol, member of the executive body at Cycle City Network Nepal. This organization has also been persistently advocating and lobbying for bicycle friendly infrastructures in the valley with concerned government stakeholders.
“Our team comprises of active youth who are concerned about various environmental and social issues,” says Dangol. “We are determined in improving the quality of our environment as well as health of people living in Kathmandu,” she adds claiming that they encourage and influence people to use bicycles as a means of transport. This organization believes that bicycle can be a sustainable and viable means of transport in the urban areas of our country.
This non-profit organization is currently running five campaigns – Kathmandu Cycle City 2020 campaign, Women on Wheels campaign, Bike to School, Bike to Work and a Critical Mass event.
Kathmandu Cycle City 2020 Campaign (KCC) primarily aims at lobbying with government stakeholders to create bicycle friendly infrastructures in Kathmandu valley. “Cycling is an efficient way of combating the growing pollution. We believe bicycle friendly infrastructures will encourage city dwellers to use bicycles on a daily basis,” says Dangol.
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They also encourage women bicycle riders through their ‘Women on Wheels’ campaign. “There are very less women riders in the valley. Sometimes they may face harassment and humiliation on the road. We encourage women to claim the streets and help them be independent,” says Dangol adding that this campaign encourages women to ride bicycles. This group has also organized cycle training workshop that encourages women to learn how to ride a bicycle.
Back to School and Back to Work campaign are organized frequently to make students and the working class aware about the benefits and importance of a cycling culture. The campaign includes instillations of bike parking facilities in offices and schools and offices. Training and workshops are also provided to empower children to cycle.
Another campaign named Critical Mass is organized by Cycle City Network Nepal on the last Friday of every month. “Critical mass is a movement where cyclists reclaim the streets and make their presence felt on the roads,” says Dangol. The Critical Mass event is going to take place on November 24 (today) from Basantapur.
The event will begin after 5:00 pm and cyclists can join the rally after work. “This event has been organized to boost the confidence of many cycle riders who cannot ride a cycle alone. Cycling in a group becomes a lot more convenient,” adds Dangol. At this mass, cyclists ride along a specific route and share their cycling experiences with one another.
Shortage of fuel is not uncommon in Kathmandu valley. Hence, Cycle City Network Nepal believes that promoting cycling can build a sustainable and self-sufficient transport system. This organization also organizes workshops regarding traffic rules and safe cycling as they believe cycling can solve a lot of problems. “You burn calories while cycling and it’s an economical mode of transportation as well. It’s a win-win situation,” concludes Dangol.
