Nepal Should Unleash the Pedal Power

Giri Bahadur Sunar

Bicycle riding may not excite everyone, as people have their own preferences for transportation. But for me, cycling is more than a mode of transport. It’s a way of life that benefits humanity and our planet. As a cyclist and researcher, I’ve seen how bicycles can transform lives and communities, and I believe it’s time for Nepal to embrace this culture to foster a healthier, safer, and greener future.

The power of cycling

Cycling offers countless benefits. First, it keeps riders fit and healthy, promoting physical well-being without the need for expensive gym memberships. Second, bicycles don’t require fossil fuels, cyclists burn their own energy, saving money and reducing dependence on costly fuel. Third, cycling produces zero pollution, directly contributing to a cleaner environment where all living beings coexist. Fourth, bicycles need less space than cars, easing traffic congestion in crowded cities. Finally, cycling involves a lower risk of accidents, and even when mishaps occur, they rarely result in severe casualties. These advantages make cycling a powerful tool for sustainable living, yet its true essence lies in the freedom and joy it brings to riders.

A lesson from Scandinavia

Recently, I visited Scandinavian countries and expressed my desire to cycle. My son and daughter-in-law booked a mountain bike for me online through MTB Tours, a specialized shop for bike rentals in Hereskovy, Copenhagen.

The next day, I took a train to MTB Tours, where the staff explained Denmark's cycling rules, including staying in the right lane, signaling a left turn by extending the left arm, a right turn by extending the right arm, and stopping by raising the left arm.

I shared insights about Nepal's growing cycling culture among youth and their passion for biking. The MTB Tours owner, delighted to hear about Nepal and learning I was a researcher, offered me a discount. The standard one-day rental fee, including insurance, was 540 DKK, but I was charged only 230 DKK (approximately 4,777.45 NPR) for the day.
 

I rode through Copenhagen’s countryside and the lush jungle trails of Hereskovy, where dedicated bike lanes wind through ponds, small bridges and scenic landscapes. The paths were thrilling, with twists and turns that challenged even experienced riders. I saw young cyclists performing stunts, families riding together in colorful cycling jerseys, and even horse riders using their own designated trails. Information boards dotted the routes, guiding riders and pedestrians alike. This seamless infrastructure made cycling safe, enjoyable, and accessible for everyone.

In Denmark’s cities, cycling is a way of life. Dedicated bike lanes, marked clearly with cycle symbols, dedicated cycle crossing lane beside zebra crossing with sky-blue colors to keep riders safe from cars and buses. Traffic lights designed for cyclists, yellow to prepare, green to go, red to stop to ensure smooth navigation. Narrow rural lanes may lack bike paths, but drivers respect cyclists, sharing the road without discrimination. Train stations and public buses offer dedicated bike parking and transport options, making it easy to combine cycling with other forms of travel. This culture thrives not only in Denmark but also in Sweden, Norway, France, Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands and other European countries.

However, I noticed one downside — bike theft, particularly at public parking areas like train stations. Locals suggested that outsiders or foreigners were often responsible, which made me reflect on the importance of fostering respect for shared resources everywhere.

Cycling in Nepal

In Nepal, the perception of cycling is starkly different. Cyclists are often seen as poor, regardless of the quality or cost of their bicycles. Owning a motorbike or car is a status symbol, while cycling is undervalued. Motorists and public vehicle drivers rarely respect cyclists, making roads unsafe. Kathmandu lacks dedicated bike lanes, and even in Lalitpur Metropolitan City, where I have pedaled, the so-called cycle lanes are far from safe. Buses, motorcycles, stray animals, footpath walkers, parked vehicles and street vendors encroach on these spaces, leaving cyclists vulnerable. Who will you encounter in the next turn? You never know. 

In the absence of proper infrastructure, modern cyclists are confused, and unaware of cycle rules so appears in the middle of roads, competing with motorbikes and cars, even motorcyclists are seen competing with the 'poor cyclist'. The constant honking of horns by everyone from educated professionals to uneducated drivers disrupts cyclists, pedestrians and nearby schools, hospitals and offices. Unlike the calm roads of Europe, Kathmandu’s streets are chaotic and intimidating for cyclists.

Kathmandu’s ring road undergoes upgrades, designers have overlooked the need for cycle lanes. Many Nepali engineers, politicians and social workers have traveled abroad and witnessed thriving cycling cultures around the world, yet they fail to replicate these models at home. If we cannot adopt such positive practices, what is the value of our global education and exposure?

A call for change
 

Cycling is not new to Nepal, especially in the Terai region, where students, workers and laborers rely on bicycles for daily commutes. But narrow highways force cyclists to share roads with bullock carts, buses, trucks, cars, motorcycles, animals and pedestrians, putting everyone at risk. Dedicated bike and walking lanes are essential to ensure safety for children, senior citizens, differently-abled individuals, and all cyclists. Dedicated cycle lanes would allow people to move freely without fear of motor vehicles and other trespassers on their lane.

Nepal's diverse landscapes are perfect for cycling and cycle tourism, but the lack of dedicated routes is a missed opportunity. Creating jungle cycle paths with thrilling twists and turns would make rides more adventurous and draw tourists to explore Nepal on two wheels.

I urge engineers of the departments of road and urban development, and local governments to prioritize cycle lanes in new and existing road designs. Donor agencies should advocate for cycling infrastructure, and the three tiers of government and policymakers must treat this as a priority to promote a healthy population and a cleaner environment.

A Vision for Nepal’s future

Denmark’s cycling culture offers a model for Nepal. In 2023, Denmark’s population was 5.93 million (approx), with 24 percent of trips under 5km made by bicycle and 36 percent of adults cycling to work or school weekly. Nine out of 10 Danes own a bicycle, and Copenhagen boasts a 62 percent cycling rate for daily commutes. This success stems from robust infrastructure and a culture that values cycling.

Nepal can achieve similar progress by embracing bicycles as a symbol of sustainability, health and equality. Let’s build a future where cyclists are respected, not ridiculed, and where safe, dedicated lanes make cycling a viable choice for all. Together, we can pedal toward a greener, healthier and more inclusive Nepal.

The author is a cyclist, PhD scholar, and advocate for sustainable transportation. He can be reached at: girithezorba@gmail.com.