[chottala.com] Suggestions for Improving Transport in Dhaka

Suggestions for Improving Transport in Dhaka 1. Maintain the use of rickshaws by a) Canceling all planned bans on rickshaws from different roads; b) Creating rickshaw-only lanes on major streets (including those that currently ban rickshaws), and c) Considering a gradual shift to improved rickshaws that are easier to maneuver and more comfortable for passengers. If the rickshaw licensing system is to be maintained, set a higher level for the number of rickshaws, and base it on research into which all citizens can have input. 2. Cancel all plans for future flyovers, and use transportation budgets to improve public transit and conditions for NMT. 3. Make cars less affordable and available through reducing import of cars, raising registration fees and taxes, and restricting licenses. 4. Ban cars from small streets and lanes and from congested areas, and greatly reduce parking. Enforce a ban on parking on footpaths and on major streets. 5. Make cycling more safe and attractive by providing separate bicycle lanes on all major roads (creating a continuous cycle lane throughout the city) and by giving bicycles priority at traffic signals so they aren't in danger by motorized vehicles. 6. Make cycling more affordable by greatly reducing the tariff on imported bicycles. 7. Create more places to park bicycles. 8. Increase bus use by creating special lanes for buses on major streets, banning all motorized vehicles except buses and emergency vehicles in congested areas, and considering other benefits to buses. 9. Ensure conducive environment for walking by a) creating pedestrian-only zones in the central shopping and business districts, b) reducing motorized transport (Pedestrians will naturally walk farther when the streets are quieter), c) cleaning up footpaths from construction debris and car parking (vendors actually attract Pedestrians, and should be allowed to stay, though not to block entire footpaths), and d) making footpaths more comfortable by planting more trees along them. 10. Carry out public education campaigns through the mass media and other means (e.g. through leaflets given to school children) to encourage parents to walk or cycle rather than drive their children to school, and to consider more environmentally-friendly and social means of transport, e.g. public transit and walking/cycling rather than cars/auto-rickshaws. 11. Support community programs to convert underutilized streets into children's playgrounds for a couple hours each day, thereby making better use of roads in quieter neighborhoods, and allowing children play space, as is currently happening in various areas as a citizen initiative. Source: Improving Dhaka's Traffic Situation: Lessons from Mirpur Road Syed Siful Alam Shovan shovan1209@yahoo.com

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