Kathmandu, Nepal - A strong citizen-led appeal has urged newly elected Members of Parliament to commit politically to building a cleaner, healthier, and more inclusive Kathmandu Valley by prioritizing cycling, walking, and public transportation.
The appeal highlights a critical contradiction in the Valley’s urban mobility pattern: although 50-60% of daily trips are under five kilometers, bicycle usage remains as low as 1-3%. Citizens argue that this gap reflects long-standing policy neglect, where road infrastructure and budgets have primarily favored motorized vehicles rather than people-centric mobility.
At the center of the concern is worsening air pollution. The Kathmandu Valley continues to face pollution levels reportedly 5 to 20 times higher than the safety standards set by the World Health Organization. The appeal links air pollution to approximately 26,000 premature deaths annually in Nepal, framing it as a major public health crisis rather than just an environmental issue. Motorized transport and vehicle-centric policies are identified as key contributors.
The document emphasizes cycling as a proven, evidence-based solution. It cites global health findings suggesting that regular bicycle use can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer, while also offering a zero-emission alternative to fossil fuel-dependent transport. The appeal compares cycling to a “preventive medicine” that remains underutilized due to lack of supportive policies.
From an economic standpoint, the appeal points out Nepal’s heavy reliance on imported fuel, which costs billions of rupees each year. It argues that shifting even 10% of short-distance trips to bicycles could result in substantial savings. International studies are referenced to show that investments in cycling infrastructure can yield returns five to ten times higher than initial costs.
Safety remains a major barrier. The absence of dedicated bicycle lanes and protective policies has made cycling risky in Kathmandu. However, global evidence shows that the introduction of safe cycling infrastructure can reduce road accidents by 50-70%.
The appeal draws lessons from cities in countries such as the Netherlands, Denmark, and France, where strong political commitment has transformed urban mobility systems. It stresses that similar progress in Nepal depends on decisive legislative and policy action.
To address these challenges, citizens have proposed a set of clear and evidence-based measures:
Mandatory bicycle lanes in all new road construction
Allocation of at least 10% of the road budget to cycling infrastructure
Legal protection and rights for cyclists
Financial incentives such as zero tax on bicycles and pollution taxes on motor vehicles
Beyond infrastructure, the appeal frames cycling as a matter of social justice. While private vehicles remain unaffordable for many, bicycles offer an accessible and equitable mode of transport. Prioritizing non-motorized and public transport, it argues, can help reduce inequality in urban mobility.
The climate dimension is equally significant. As a country highly vulnerable to climate change, Nepal’s transport choices will play a crucial role in shaping its environmental future. The appeal warns that failing to promote sustainable transport options could deepen climate risks.
In a symbolic call to action, citizens have invited lawmakers to experience the issue firsthand by cycling to Parliament for a day. The initiative aims to encourage deeper understanding and spark meaningful debate on air pollution, road safety, and equitable access to urban space.
The message is clear: integrating bicycles into national policy is not just about transportation-it is about redefining development in Nepal toward a healthier, greener, and more inclusive future.
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