Published: 10:52 PM, 16 August 2026
Encouraging People to Ride Bicycles Can Reduce Traffic Congestion in Dhaka City
Traffic congestion has become one of the most serious problems in Dhaka City. Every day, thousands of people spend hours stuck in traffic jams while travelling to offices, schools, colleges, markets and other destinations. The growing number of private cars, inadequate road space, illegal parking, poor traffic management and the rapid expansion of the city have all contributed to the crisis. In this situation, encouraging people to use bicycles could be an effective and environmentally friendly way to reduce pressure on the city's roads.
Dhaka is a densely populated city where a large number of daily journeys are relatively short. Many people use private cars, motorcycles, rickshaws or other motorized vehicles even when their destinations are only a few kilometers away. If a significant number of these short-distance travellers switched to bicycles, the number of vehicles on the roads would decrease. As a result, traffic movement could become faster and congestion could be reduced.
Bicycles require much less road space than cars. A single car may occupy several times more space than a bicycle, especially when traffic is moving slowly or vehicles are parked along roads. Therefore, replacing some car journeys with bicycle trips could make better use of Dhaka's limited road space.
It could also reduce the demand for parking spaces, which are increasingly difficult to find in busy commercial and residential areas. Another important advantage of cycling is that it does not produce exhaust fumes.
Dhaka already suffers from serious air pollution caused partly by vehicle emissions. A greater number of bicycles on the roads would mean fewer fuel-powered vehicles and, consequently, lower emissions.
Cycling could therefore contribute not only to reducing traffic congestion but also to creating cleaner air and a healthier urban environment.
Cycling also offers significant health benefits. Regular cycling is a form of physical exercise that can help people remain fit and reduce the risk of several lifestyle-related diseases. In a city where many people spend long hours sitting in offices, classrooms or vehicles, cycling could provide an easy way to include physical activity in their daily routines. It may also reduce the stress associated with spending hours in traffic jams.
However, simply telling people to ride bicycles will not be enough. Dhaka needs a safer and more convenient cycling environment. Many roads are crowded with buses, cars, motorcycles and rickshaws, making cycling difficult and dangerous. Cyclists often have to compete for limited road space with fast-moving vehicles. To encourage cycling on a large scale, the authorities should develop properly designed and physically protected bicycle lanes on suitable major roads.
Safety should be the first priority. Bicycle lanes must be clearly marked and protected from motorised traffic and illegal parking. Traffic rules should also be enforced strictly so that cyclists and pedestrians can use roads without unnecessary risk. Adequate street lighting, traffic signals and safe road crossings would further increase public confidence in cycling.
The government and city authorities could introduce several additional measures. Bicycle-sharing services could be expanded around universities, offices, residential areas and public transport stations. Secure bicycle parking facilities could be established near bus terminals, metro stations, schools and shopping centres. Employers could encourage workers to cycle by providing changing rooms, showers and safe bicycle parking. Schools and colleges could also organize cycling programs to develop a positive attitude toward bicycles among young people.
Cycling should also be integrated with public transportation rather than treated as an alternative to it in every situation. People living far from their workplaces may not be able to cycle the entire distance. However, they could ride bicycles to nearby bus or metro stations and continue their journeys by public transport. Such a combination would reduce dependence on private cars and make the city's overall transport system more sustainable.
Public awareness is equally important. Campaigns highlighting the benefits of cycling could encourage citizens to reconsider their everyday travel habits.
Sarwar Chowdhury writes
on geopolitical standings
and contemporary matters.
