Kolkata, Nov 3 (PTI) With an increasing number of people using bicycles for commuting to workplaces due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Kolkata Police on Tuesday allowed bicycles in lanes of the entire city.

In a notification, the city police said in view of the present situation of public transport due to COVID-19 pandemic, bicycles will be allowed in lanes and bylanes within Kolkata Police area with immediate effect.

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The notification, signed by Commissioner of Police Anuj Sharma, further said to prevent chaos on arterial roads, bicycles will continue to be restricted on main roads, flyovers.

The cyclists will also have to obey one way restrictions.

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Contacted, a spokesman of Cycle Samaj Kolkata, a forum fighting for the cause of cyclists, said "there is nothing new in such notification which does not take into consideration the situation faced by cyclists whose number is swelling in the covid situation."

"Just think. Don't you see bicycles on city bylanes already? What is new in it? Our demand for a dedicated cycle corridor on main roads has not been addressed," he said.

A Kolkata police officer said due to space constraints it is difficult to erect cycle corridor in Kolkata. However, the law enforcers are trying to address the issues raised by cyclists.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)