Dear Sir,
We initiate this petition seeking the support of you and your good office towards promoting the use of active mode of transport like cycling in Chennai. 

We believe the present covid-19 pandemic situation gives us an opportunity to initiate measures to promote cycling as it gives people an equitable, clean and inexpensive option to travel for their work by maintaining social distance and develop their immunity. While at the same time they do not contribute to pollution and congestion in our city streets.

At the outset we demand:-

Financial 

1. The annual NMT plan should have a budgetary allocation of at least 50% of the city’s transportation budget towards building high quality walking and cycling infrastructure in the city

Planning, Design and Implementation

1. Implement an annual NMT plan for 2022-'23 with citizen participation to implement the 5-year vision plan. The plan should include:

• NMT network plan

• Creation of good quality, safe walking & cycling infrastructure as per the masterplan

• Parking management plans

• Easy and affordable access to bicycles for citizens (Eg: Community cycle-sharing systems, cycle rental schemes, etc)

• Provision of safe and free bicycle parking at transit stations and major public destinations to enable better last-mile connectivity.

• Communication strategies to promote and build support for NMT (Eg. Car-free Sundays, Cycle to work, Free cycle clinics, cycle training etc) 

Policy/Governance

1. Adopt a Non-Motorised Transport (NMT)/Healthy Streets(HS) policy

2. Prepare a 5-year vision plan along with an annual NMT plan for 2022-'23 for the implementation of the NMT/HS policy. 

3. Form an NMT/HS department within the Urban Local Body (ULB) to coordinate the planning, design and implementation of infrastructure & other initiatives in the city

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in more and more people trying to avoid public transportation for fear of contracting the virus and like in other parts of the world, India experienced a boom in bicycle sales during the coronavirus pandemic.

Although most Indian cities are not bicycle-friendly, there has been a sharp increase in recreational cycling during the pandemic as people try to beat cabin fever during lockdowns, get exercise, or avoid commutes on stuffed public transport.

People now feel the need for private transport more than ever. And a major section can still not afford cars, so cycling presents an opportunity like no other.

India's Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry said the pandemic has presented an opportunity to make cities more accessible to pedestrians and cyclists.

In a June advisory, it recommended pedestrianization of at least three markets in every city and more bicycle lanes. Given, there is a push for cycling at a national level. Let us demand our municipal corporation to take some steps in the right direction.

Join the movement to make your city cycling friendly.