A meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner Shimla, Anupam Kashyap, was held with representatives of the Cycling Association of Himachal Pradesh. The discussion focused on the construction of cycling lanes and trails in Shimla and other parts of the district.
- Cycling Lanes Proposal: The Deputy Commissioner mentioned a proposal to build cycling lanes on various roads in Shimla. The Municipal Corporation has conducted a detailed survey for this purpose. In the first phase, cycling lanes are proposed from CTO Chowk Shimla to Summer Hill, Ritez to Navbahar, and Shimla Club to Chhota Shimla. Implementation will be based on the survey results to promote cycling in the city.
- Exploring Cycling Trails: Anupam Kashyap suggested exploring cycling trails in the forests around Shimla to combine cycling with adventure activities and tourism. Potential areas include the forests of Glen, Potterhill, Tutikandi, and Zakhu, where old footpaths existed. The Forest Department has been instructed to locate these old routes.
- Memorandum of Agreement: A Memorandum of Agreement has been signed between the Department of Youth Services and Sports and the Sports Authority of India for constructing a hostel and cycling trails in Potter Hill. A meeting with the Director of Youth Services and Sports Department is planned to discuss this further.
- Promoting Cycling in Schools: The Deputy Commissioner emphasized promoting cycling in Shimla’s schools and colleges, where it is safe, to encourage students to take up cycling.
- Future Meetings: A follow-up meeting will be held soon, involving representatives from the Municipal Corporation Shimla, Forest Department, and Education Department.
- Health and Environmental Benefits: The Deputy Commissioner highlighted the health benefits of cycling and its importance in reducing traffic, benefiting the environment and tourism.
Assistant Commissioner Gopal Chand Sharma, District Youth Services and Sports Officer Rakesh Dhota, Mohit Sood, Secretary of Himachal Pradesh Cycling Association, and other association members were also present at the meeting.