PMC seeks suggestion for CCTV camera spots to protect cycle tracks

Pune – The Pune Cycle Plan, under aegis of Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), has sought suggestions for spots to place CCTV cameras to protect Cycle Tracks on Ganeshkhind Road, Jangli Maharaj Road and Satara Road.

It has been observed that pedestrians as well as motorcycle riders often encroach on the cycle tracks, thus defeating the purpose for which they were built. The officials are specifically looking for points where motorized two-wheelers are more likely to get onto the cycle tracks.

After Pune Cycle Plan posted their requirement on Facebook, many citiznes have come out with their suggestions. “First basic thing is that people do not know that it is cycling lane. There is no much awareness about these lanes in general public. Run a robust awareness campaign first then start taking strictest action with penalty”, stated Upendra Phadke.

Dhiraj Bhandare added, “We also need to restrict pedestrians on JM road. Also there is encroachment opposite the Jangali Maharaj temple, mobile shop owners are also doing encroachment. (There is) encroachment at McDonald and cycle track ahead of it.”

Neelesh Bhave has suggested that cameras can be installed on Satara road. “We can have CCTV cameras near D Mart, Walvekar lawns, Padmavati corner, Aranyeshwar corner and Laxshminarayan corner”, he said.

Who will be responsible to monitor the footage and take necessary actions? Who will be responsible for its maintenance? Will there be any transparency about violators and actions taken? Asked Bhavik Shah.

Pune Cycle Plan officials replied, “The suggestions made at this page will be shared with Bicycle Dept and Traffic Police. After the cameras are installed, the footage will be managed by the Traffic Police as a regular part of their work.”
Pune was once famous as a city of cyclists. Old timers recall their cycling days in the 1950s, 60s and 70s, when the cycle was the primary mode of commute for children and adults alike. Cycles were registered, and carried kerosene head lamps. Mornings and evenings were filled with the sound of cycle bells of people going to work along old Mumbai-Pune road and other areas. Safety on the roads was not such a concern since motorized vehicles were relatively lesser. However, ‘transportation’ is a major civic issue now.

Facilities for walk, cycle, public transport have not kept pace with the growth of the city. The number of private motorized vehicles has increased very rapidly in last 10-15 years. This is leading to health impacts from polluted air, accidents, and wastage of time in congestion. Recognizing the need to address this issue the Pune Municipal Corporation had adopted a Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP) in 2012. The project and process for preparation of the Bicycle Plan has been led by the office of Chief Engineer (Projects). PMC engaged iTrans, Prasanna Desai Architects and Centre for Environment Education (CEE) as the team of consultants to prepare the draft Pune Cycle Plan.