Delhi cycling infrastructure: How bikes can cut pollution and congestion in the capital

This article argues that Delhi needs to shift toward cycling and walking to tackle its severe air pollution and traffic congestion. The city has over 1.2 crore registered vehicles but limited road space, and short motorized trips are a major source of emissions and gridlock. The Delhi Cycle Walk project, a planned 201-km network of dedicated cycling and pedestrian corridors, was launched in 2020 but progress has been slow due to poor execution and coordination. The author points to cities like Copenhagen and Amsterdam as models where cycling infrastructure reduced car dependence and improved air quality. A 53-km Yamuna Cycle Track is also proposed. Even a modest shift from cars to bicycles for short trips could lower congestion, fuel waste, and pollution while offering health benefits and reducing India's oil import burden.