Written by: Mahnoor Fatima
Posted on: October 26, 2020 | 
| 中文
A Recent Bicycling Rally at the Rose and Jasmine Gardens, Islamabad (photo credits to eTrbune)
Perhaps now more than ever, the need to incorporate environmentally friendly urban spaces in Pakistan is upon us. This is not only because of our present circumstance witnessing the initial disastrous effects of climate change, but also the rise of citizen demand for creating policy geared towards mitigating its effects. The city of Islamabad is gearing up for ‘Cycling Sundays’, a new initiative created by the “Urban Innovation” consultancy firm in collaboration with the Islamabad Capital Territory Administration (ICTA), to promote the development of public spaces, and show the potential of cities in Pakistan to be inclusive, eco-friendly and lively spaces.
Youlin spoke to urban economist Dr. Naveed Iftikhar, the Founder of Learners Republic and the Director Urban Governance & Economic Policy at “Urban Innovation”, the organization responsible for the cycling initiative.
A Congested Street in Rawalpindi (photo credits to Dr. Naveed Iftikhar)
Although the conventional idea of urban development involves car-centric infrastructure and housing societies for the elite; such actions have come at the cost of the environment. People can see the effects of this damage through the poor air quality of major cities like Lahore, which at its worst, has been at hazardous levels of 763 (the equivalent of smoking nearly 40 cigarettes a day).
Smog in Lahore in November 2019 (photo credits to Dawn)
Based in Islamabad, “Urban Innovation”’s focus has been to improve the mobility and walkability of cities as a way to both promote a healthier lifestyle for citizens and counter the effects of climate change. According to a 2015 study carried out by the Institution of Transport, a dramatic shift from cars and motorcycles to bicycles or walking could reduce carbon emissions by 20%.
But besides the more serious issues of reducing the effects of climate change in Pakistan, there is also the need to create recreational spaces in the city for fun activities and family time. “There are very little recreational activities for people besides going out and eating. Only a few can leave the country for recreation but many cannot afford that kind of opportunity. We want to create at least one creative activity for families to do every Sunday.”
Cycling on Margalla Road, Islamabad (photo credit to Dr. Naveed Iftikhar)
For the first Sunday bicycle rally scheduled for Sunday the 1st of November, the designated path is on Jinnah Avenue, from D-Chowk to 7th Avenue. Those who do not have bicycles, may come earlier to rent limited bikes. Other people without bikes are advised to walk, and bring along their families for the event. Other people without bikes are advised to walk, and bring along their families for the event. “We want people to relax and enjoy themselves. We want to send a message to the public of what roads look like when reclaimed by people.”
Dr. Iftikhar is of the opinion that Islamabad is an ideal place to start such initiatives, due to the relative lack of traffic and the presence of nature in the form of the Margalla Hills. By having the first bicycle rally at the politically active D-Chowk, the initiative sends a message to those in power that the public values public transportation and walkability. He believes if such activities are carried out in the capital, other places may be prompted to follow.
Islamabad Mayor Sheikh Ansar Aziz with cyclists at the launch of bicycling lanes in Islamabad in 2017
In recent years, there have been many cycling groups around the city who bicycle for sport or recreation, such as Islamabad Cycling Association and Critical Mass Islamabad. “Urban Innovation” has successfully reached out to these associations, alongside the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Pakistan's Urban Platform, and the Islamabad Traffic Police. Celebrities and local politicians have promised to participate in the rally, including Hamza Shafqaat, the current Deputy Commissioner of Islamabad who has massively supported the endeavor. However, Dr. Iftikhar has mostly been taken aback by the amount of support that the public has shown towards this cause, some of whom are joining the rally from the towns of Swabi and Mardan in Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa (KPK).
When asked about the Standards of Procedure (SOPs) which are to be put in place during the rally, he explained that there will be posters around the street to remind people of social distancing, and there will be free masks and hand sanitizers available for participants. He pointed out that in times of COVID-19, outdoor activities like cycling (provided social distancing measures are in place) are great ways to keep active during times of lockdown.
Our conversation ended with how wider walkways and public transportation can be seen as a means of empowerment, particularly for women and young people, through giving them accessibility to schools, hospitals and public spaces. One of “Urban Innovation”’s most fascinating ideas involves envisioning the congested food street around Blue Area as a large walkway for families, without the fear of cars or motorbikes running them down. But on a more basic level, the act of making public spaces accessible for students and young people to gather as well as designated bicycle lanes, would revolutionize the way people interact with the city.
Urban Innovation's Reimagine Islamabad initiative
“We have a collective responsibility to be aware of our rights as citizens. Development is not simply developing roads, but providing mobility. Since young people, under 30, constitute over 64 percent of the population, they need to be given preference.”
While Dr. Iftikhar admits that the societal attitudes towards public spaces can take time to change, new policies and strict measures for implementation must be put in place to make the city safer and more accessible to the people. This involves trying new initiatives, learning from other examples, investing in public spaces as opposed to more roads.
When asked what the public can do to make their opinions known about public space and human-focused development, Dr. Iftikhar explains that one must raise demands on public platforms to make this a priority with local politicians during election times. Activists also have a responsibility to raise awareness about these issues, and should continue to demand vibrant and environmentally friendly cities.
Smog in Lahore in November 2019 (photo credits to Dawn)
Those who are bicycle enthusiasts or passionate about the cause, can join the first cycling Sunday on Jinnah Avenue (7th Avenue side) on 1st November, from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. For updates and opportunities to offer suggestions on how to raise awareness for public transportation, please follow Urban Innovations or Dr. Iftikhar on Twitter.
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