Pollution, Poor Infrastructure Hinder Cycling in India
Why in News
A study in Nature Cities and the 2025 World Air Quality Report highlight that India, the 6th most polluted country, faces significant barriers to promoting cycling as a climate solution. Lack of physical infrastructure, policy gaps, and high pollution levels in cities like Delhi (4th most polluted globally) discourage its adoption.
Background
Promoting sustainable urban mobility like cycling is crucial for achieving net-zero carbon goals and improving public health, requiring integrated policy, infrastructure development, and behavioral change. This aligns with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities).
Key Figure
• 6th — India's rank in most polluted countries • 4th — Delhi's rank in most polluted cities • 2025 — Year of World Air Quality Report
Key Facts
- 1India's air pollution ranking: 6th most polluted country (2025 World Air Quality Report by IQAIR).
- 2Delhi's air pollution ranking: 4th most polluted city worldwide (2025 World Air Quality Report by IQAIR).
- 3Study on bicycling culture: published in Nature Cities, examined Delhi, Chennai (India), Dhaka (Bangladesh), Accra (Ghana).
- 4Barriers to cycling identified: lack of physical infrastructure, policy gaps, implementation issues, gender gaps.
- 5Advocacy group: BYCS India Foundation, urged political parties to prioritize bicycle-friendly cities.
- 6Cycling benefits: reduces pollution, contributes to net-zero carbon goals, promotes personal fitness.
Exam Angle
Addressing urban air pollution and promoting sustainable transport requires comprehensive policy frameworks, robust infrastructure development, and public awareness campaigns to overcome existing barriers.
PYQ Connection
PRELIMS_FACT: Air pollution rankings, sustainable transport, urban infrastructure challenges.
Map Points