Pune, 8th December 2025: City's efforts to promote itself as a cycling-friendly city are facing questions after a new audit revealed major flaws in its cycling infrastructure. A study by city-based NGO Parisar found that only 11% of the city’s cycle tracks are in good condition.
The audit examined 35 km of cycle tracks across 19 major roads between September and November. It found that while 61% of tracks were rated as “okay,” nearly 28% were in poor condition. Broken surfaces, encroachments, unsafe road junctions, and missing signboards were among the most common problems.
These findings come at a time when Pune is trying to project itself as a global cycling destination through events like the Pune Cycle Grand Challenge. However, the report warns that without proper infrastructure upgrades, the city risks damaging its credibility.
Parisar stressed that a serious cycling culture cannot grow without safe, continuous, and well-marked cycle lanes. The organisation called for the creation of a citywide cycling network, stronger road markings, better enforcement, and the revival of Pune Municipal Corporation’s Non-Motorised Transport (NMT) committee.
The report also recommended dedicated cycle parking at metro stations and safer cycling routes for school children. It urged PMC to strictly follow Indian Roads Congress (IRC) standards, which are legally binding under the Motor Vehicles Act.
Parisar stated that if Pune truly wants more people to shift to cycling, the quality of infrastructure must meet global standards, not just exist on paper.
