Thursday

16


July , 2020
Encouraging bicycles and electric vehicles for a pollution free environment
12:48 pm

Aritra Mitra


 

 

“It is not always possible to maintain social distancing in public vehicles. During office hours, crowded buses are inevitable. Moreover, waiting at bus stops for long periods is a waste of time as fewer buses are plying on the roads. So, this is the best available option,” said a share market official in Kolkata, referring to his recently purchased electric scooter. In fact, people all over the globe are avoiding public modes of transportation and opting for pedalling and electric vehicles to maintain social distancing. Environmentalists are of the opinion that this increased usage of bicycles, hybrid cars and electric vehicles will reduce pollution.

As an effect of the lockdown, industries were shut down, flights were cancelled and low levels of transportation has significantly lowered greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution levels. A report published in The Hindu states that the global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in 2020 have dropped to the levels last seen in 2006. A similar decline in particulate matter pollution has been witnessed in Indian cities because of decreased public mobility following the lockdown.

Electric vehicles and bicycles gaining popularity

Several European cities have undertaken useful strategies. London is planning to impose permanent restrictions for vehicles on certain roads. An Indian national staying in Paris informed BE, “In Paris, cycle tracks are already in existence apart from the highways. At present, the government is encouraging green technology. There are subsidies for employees to buy electric bicycles. Furthermore, the government is increasing subsidies to families and individuals of different income categories to help them buy electric or hybrid cars.” The French government has unveiled a $22-million package to spur cycling in the post lockdown phase.

The market for electric vehicles has been increasing. In an interaction with Hindustan Times, Sohinder Singh Gill, Director General, Society of Manufacturers of Electric Vehicles and Global CEO, Hero Electric said, “There is decidedly a linkage that is established between pollution and viruses. People in polluted places are more susceptible to viruses. Second is the clean air during the lockdown. People are realising that some of it is because of the vehicles we have been using.” Media reports state that the sales of electric vehicles, excluding e-rickshaws, had jumped by 20% to reach 1.56 lakh units in 2019-20 from 1.3 lakh units in 2018-19 in India. A large portion of these were electric two-wheelers.

The pandemic has further led to a boom in the bicycle industry. Recently, Associated Press has reported that several outlets of Walmart and Target have gone out of stock because of the sudden growth in demand for bicycles. To ensure the safety and to avoid accidents, authorities have installed dedicated cycle lanes in cities like Manila, Bogota, Berlin and Rome. Despite the lockdown induced economic slowdown, Hero Cycles saw 600 times rise in its overseas in markets such as UK and Germany in April, 2020, as against the figures of the same month of the previous year. Hero Cycles is looking forward to strong growth, with plans to capture 10% of the global bicycle market by 2023.

New business opportunity

Pankaj Munjal, Chairman and Managing Director, Hero Cycles Ltd recently told the media, “The government should try to encash this opportunity to strengthen the bicycle industry in the country.” He also added that like China, India should focus on creating clusters meant exclusively for the cycle industry to ensure a smooth supply chain and logistics. Most experts agree that e-cycles could see a boom because they can address the dual needs of people who are looking for a safe transport option as well as a physical exercise option.

According to experts, the lockdown has instigated huge lay-offs and employment opportunities will shrink further. In such a scenario, the growth of the electric vehicle and the bicycle industry could provide a golden opportunity for employment generation in India. Also, construction of bicycle lanes will need workers. Experts believe that it will be worthwhile for MSMEs and start-ups to venture into manufacturing parts for electric vehicles, batteries, bicycle parts and other necessities.

Controlling air pollution in India

Dr. Punarbasu Chaudhuri, Assistant Professor, Department of Environmental Science, University of Calcutta told BE, “Reduction of carbon footprints is most important. If industries get benefits in the form of tax reductions or in other forms, it will encourage them to keep their carbon emissions in check. At the domestic level also, there are various android applications through which carbon emission can be measured. These should also be popularised.” He also suggested that popularising bicycles in major cities and trying to impose a day light-based working schedule can be helpful for the environment.

However, awareness is the main problem. In Lucknow, bicycle lanes are already in existence but are of little use. In such a scenario, experts feel that telecommunicators should sensitise this topic. Poster campaigns and short videos in social media platforms can also encourage people to shift to these pollution free modes of communication.    

 

 

 

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