The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration is working on establishing dedicated cycling lanes in the federal capital.
This was disclosed by avid bike rider and the Ambassador of Germany, Bernhard Schlagheck as he spoke about the benefits of cycling.
"The habit of cycling provides an excellent opportunity to clear the mind, besides its other healthy and nature-friendly benefits," the envoy said in an interview to the APP on Sunday.
Advocating cycling, he said it is environmentally-friendly as well as a great practical and almost cost-free mode of conveyance.
“I do not think we need a bike-culture in Pakistan, but an appreciation of what is already here - so that a bike is not merely considered as an alternative to a motorbike or a car, but valuable in itself.”
He added that the activity allows for building strong inter-human connectivity.
"Whenever possible, I take my bike to go to the foreign ministry, which is not that far from the German embassy,” he said, noting that it is always both a bit cumbersome and funny to convince the guards there to let him in since he is an envoy.
On whether cycling can solve urban traffic chaos, he said that reducing private, fossil-fuel driven transport within cities to solve constant gridlocks and environmental hazards, cycling must be one of the near-term targets of contemporary urban planning.
Talking about cycling in the federal capital, the envoy said that it offered some of the ingredients for a memorable cycling experience.
"It is a wonderful city, having a lot to see and offers sufficient places for the people to engage themselves in activities like cycling, jogging, hiking and trekking - especially on the beautiful Margalla Hills," he said, adding that the ICT administration was engaged in setting up dedicated cycling lanes in the city which was a promising and welcome development
However, there were some limitations to making cycling the main mode of transportation, he pointed out.
"If the President of Pakistan is receiving you for submitting ambassadorial credentials, you will not appear at the President House on a bike, would you? “ he asked, adding that there are security aspects to be considered along with courtesy and hygiene requirements.
“You will not enter the Parliament or Ministries with a sweating body. So, it's a matter of prudent consideration,” he said.
In this regard, he suggested that people avoid long trips under the full sun during the hot summer months.
"Sufficient intakes of nutrients and fluids for the body before and after cycling is a must to avoid the season's wrath" he stressed.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 6th, 2020.
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