89% of Pune’s Cycle Tracks Unusable, Only 11% Fit for Cycling: PMC Report

Pune, 11th August 2026: Pune’s efforts to revive its identity as a cycling-friendly city have come under scrutiny, with only 11% of the 83-km cycle track network in the city found to be usable, while the remaining 89% are reportedly unusable or exist only on paper.

The findings are mentioned in the Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) Environment Status Report 2025-26, which cites a cycle track audit conducted by the organisation Parisara. According to the report, several cycle tracks across the city are affected by encroachments, obstructions, discontinuity and increasing traffic, making them unsafe for regular use.

Pune has around 2,460 km of roads, of which the civic body has developed approximately 83 km of cycle tracks on various routes. However, the audit found that only a small portion of this network is currently suitable for cyclists.

The report highlights the lack of continuous and obstruction-free cycle tracks as a major concern. Encroachments and other obstacles on designated cycling routes have further reduced their usability, while heavy traffic has increased safety risks for cyclists.

Integrated Cycle Plan Yet to Be Fully Implemented

The PMC had prepared an Integrated Cycle Plan after conducting surveys of roads across the city to encourage residents to use bicycles for daily travel.

The plan proposed dedicated cycle tracks, coloured cycle lanes, green roads and mixed cycle tracks at different locations. However, despite the plan being prepared several years ago, its implementation remains incomplete.

Public Bicycle Sharing Scheme Discontinued

The civic body had also introduced several initiatives to promote cycling in Pune. One of the major initiatives was the Public Bicycle Sharing Scheme, launched under the Smart City project.

Around 6,000 bicycles were made available across areas including Baner, Balewadi, Kothrud, Karve Road, Deccan Gymkhana, Prabhat Road and Jangli Maharaj Road. However, the scheme was eventually discontinued.

The failure of such initiatives has raised questions about the city’s long-term strategy for promoting cycling as an alternative mode of transport.

Cycling Event Despite Poor Track Conditions

The Pune Cycle Grand Challenge Tour is scheduled to be held in the city for the second consecutive year. However, cycling enthusiasts have expressed disappointment over the condition of existing cycle tracks.

Cyclists have questioned the civic administration’s focus on spending large amounts on preparing roads for cycling events while existing cycle infrastructure remains poorly maintained.

With only 11% of the city’s cycle tracks reportedly usable, cycling advocates have called for greater attention to maintenance, removal of encroachments and creation of continuous, safe cycling routes if Pune is to genuinely regain its identity as a cycling city.