Cyclists in Dhaka face daily risks as blocked lanes and chaotic traffic force them into unsafe roads, raising urgent demands for dedicated infrastructure to ensure safety and sustainable urban mobility.
Cyclists in Dhaka are facing growing risks on the city’s roads as limited bicycle lanes remain blocked by parked vehicles, street vendors and chaotic mixed traffic. Despite the growing popularity of bicycles as an eco-friendly mode of transport, the lack of safe, dedicated lanes makes daily commuting a dangerous challenge.
“On Dhaka roads, you cannot ride fast. Private cars, motorcycles, buses and rickshaws, we share the same space, but our speeds do not match theirs. Overtaking is nearly impossible, and oncoming vehicles make cycling very risky,” said Mohammad Mahfuz Hossain, an economics student at Dhaka University and a resident of Mirpur’s Kochu Khet area.
Shipon, another cyclist, added, “Wherever bicycle lanes exist, they are often occupied. If lanes were properly available, cycling would be safer and more convenient.”
Over the years, some major roads in Dhaka were equipped with bicycle lanes. However, many of these lanes have been taken over by vendors, parked vehicles and other obstructions. In Agargaon, lanes remain fully operational, but such examples are rare across the city.
Bangladesh has over two million bicycles, with roughly 200,000 in Dhaka alone. The two-wheeled vehicles are increasingly popular for commuting, parcel delivery and personal fitness. Yet cyclists continue to face serious hazards on the capital’s busy streets. Aminul Islam, president of the Bangladesh Bicycle Lane Implementation Council, said, “We who ride bicycles are literally risking our lives. Cyclists are often undervalued, and accidents happen without proper accountability.”
Billal Shuvo, a cyclist from Dhaka Polytechnic Institute, said, “Cycling is my passion. But on Dhaka roads, slower speed and the lack of dedicated lanes make it challenging. Even if you move aside, fast-moving vehicles often brush past. The only advantage is that in traffic jams, a bicycle can take smaller routes, saving time and keeping you active.”
Experts stress that dedicated bicycle lanes are essential. Professor Dr Md Hadiuzzaman of BUET explained, “Dhaka’s mixed traffic is already complex. Non-motorised vehicles, especially bicycles, are the most exposed. While rickshaws are somewhat protected, bicycles are completely exposed. Any accident impacts the rider directly, increasing the risk of injury or death.”
Currently, some bicycle lanes, like those in Agargaon, remain functional, while others across the city are blocked. Md Shafiqul Islam Khan, administrator of Dhaka North City Corporation, said, “Coordination meetings with the traffic department and BRTA are underway to recover and plan new bicycle lanes where feasible.”
Cyclists hope the new government will prioritise dedicated lanes to ensure road safety and encourage environmentally friendly commuting. Members of the Facebook-based cycling group Hemonto Riders said chaotic traffic forces cyclists onto footpaths, increasing risk. Mohammad Hedayetul Hasan Philip, a founding member, said, “A proper lane would allow smooth movement, encourage new cyclists and increase the popularity of cycling. Many existing lanes are poorly planned or occupied by parked vehicles. Wherever feasible, well-designed bicycle lanes should be prioritised, alongside proper parking facilities.”
Climate advocates also link sustainable cycling with broader energy and air quality issues. “We cannot afford to add more fuel to the fire,” said Sohanur Rahman, executive coordinator of YouthNet Global. “Our future depends on leaving polluting fuels behind and embracing renewables, for cleaner air and a safer planet.”
As Dhaka grapples with traffic congestion and rising interest in eco-friendly transport, advocates stress that separate lanes for bicycles are essential not only for public safety but also for sustainable urban mobility. For cleaner air, safer commuting and a healthier city, dedicated bicycle lanes are no longer optional. They are imperative.
