Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, as the House may be aware, in 2020, the then Government adopted a policy decision to include cycle lanes in all newly constructed roads. In line with this Government Policy, the RDA has implemented cycle tracks as part of major road infrastructure projects since 2020. These trucks, typically located on one side of the road and having width between 2.6 metres and 2.8 metres, were intended to encourage cycling as an alternative eco-friendly mode of transport. At present, there are 13 road projects where cycle lanes have been or are being incorporated across 33km at a cost of about Rs546 million. With respect to part (a) of the question, I am informed by the RDA that no feasibility study was undertaken prior to the implementation of the cycle lanes as this was pursuant to a policy decision of the former government. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, as I mentioned in my speech during the debate on the Budget 2025/2026 in June 2025, these cycling infrastructures are mostly located outside residential zones and have no connection whatsoever to neighbouring villages or existing conurbations. It should therefore come, as most surprised, that most of these infrastructures are lying idle. I am informed by the RDA that prior to these recycle lanes becoming fully operational, a series of soft measures must be implemented to ensure the seamless integration of the new infrastructure into the existing Net Transport Network. These include – (a) A National Cycling Master Plan must be developed to not only map the existing cycle tracks and identify opportunities to extend and interconnect them into a continuous safety network but also integrate cycling planning into urban mobility strategies especially near schools, Smart Cities, Business Parks and Transit Stations; (b) With a view to improving connectivity and accessibility, existing cycle tracks should be linked with new dedicated lanes, footpaths and green corridors. In addition, proper way finding signage, lighting, crossing and end of trip facilities, bike racks, a rest area should be provided; (c) Campaigns should be launched to encourage cycling for short commutes, health benefits and environmental impact. Moreover, local councils and private sector should be engaged as partners to promote community cycling events, and (d) a nationwide cycling infrastructure inventory and usage monitoring system should be implemented to assess demand, plan upgrades and measure impact. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, with regard to part (b) of the question, given that this is a relatively new policy, I am envisaging to set up a committee to be chaired by the Permanent Secretary of my Ministry and comprising all relevant stakeholders, namely – • representatives of the Ministry of Housing and Lands; • the Ministry of Land Transport; • the Ministry of Local Government; • the Police Department; • the TMRSU, and • the RDA. This committee will be responsible for assessing the usage level of cycle lanes, their impact on accident reduction and overall user satisfaction with a view to guiding future policy decisions, alternate use of these facilities and improvements, if any.

Yes !

Je vous remercie. Avant de s'engager dans des new dedicated lanes, est-ce que le ministère envisage une étude ou même un audit indépendant pour s'assurer de l'utilité, de la rentabilité et de la sécurité des pistes existantes et des nouvelles pistes envisagées ?

Comme je viens de le dire, M. le président, on a mis un comité qui va faire tout ce travail that the hon. Member is saying. This committee will look into the proper usage of the existing cycle lanes and for the future. It costs a lot of money. You can imagine, half a billion rupees has been invested in these cycle lanes. I can say that they are lying almost idle. In some, you will see grass. C’est décalé avec la route principale. If you go to La Brasserie Road, you are not even going to see the cycle lanes. So, a whole study will have to be done. Then, we are going to decide.

Another one!

Est-ce qu’on peut avoir un timeline pour le National Cycling Master Plan?

I cannot put a timeline. What I will do, I will ask the RDA to work rather fast because, anyway, for the forthcoming projects, for example, for the M4 Project, we have not inserted cycle lanes in the M4. This is the next big major project that will come. They can work at their ease because in that project, there is no cycle lane. So, they will take their time and produce a masterplan.

Hon. Second Member for Grand Baie & Poudre d'Or. NORTHERN REGION – FARMERS’ CENTRE – WHOLESALE MARKET FACILITY CONVERSION