Marking the 8th UN Global Road Safety Week (12–18 May 2025), the National Centre for Human Settlements & Environment (NCHSE), in collaboration with Consumer VOICE, New Delhi, organized a Cyclothon and Walkathon in Bhopal to amplify the global call to “Make Walking & Cycling Safe.” The event emphasized the urgent need for speed management and a comprehensive State Road Safety Action Plan in Madhya Pradesh.
The Cyclothon was flagged off at 7:30 AM by Police Officer Shri Babulal from the NCHSE campus in E-5, Arera Colony. Covering a major route across the city, cyclists passed through Rajiv Square (Bitten Market), Link Road No. 3, Kolar Tri Junction, Kolar Road, Bansal Hospital, and Manisha Market, before returning to the NCHSE premises. Over 130 cyclists took part in the rally, carrying placards with messages advocating for road safety.
In parallel, a Walkathon drew participation from senior citizens, youth, and pedestrians, symbolizing that road safety is not just a driver’s responsibility, but a collective civic concern. Participants held banners and slogans calling for safer roads, regulated speeds, and inclusive road planning.
The event witnessed enthusiastic support from civic and fitness groups including the Lions Club, Bhopal Bicycle Riders’ Group, Bhopalies Fitness Community (BFC), HelpBox Foundation, and several independent citizens and youth organizations.
Dr. Pradip Nandi, Director General of NCHSE, while addressing the participants, emphasized that the safety of pedestrians and cyclists must be central to urban traffic planning. He stated that scientifically set speed limits developed by IIT Kharagpur, if strictly enforced, can save thousands of lives. This reminds us that safe transportation should not be limited to motorists alone, but must ensure the safety of all road users.
Lion J. P. S. Johar, District Governor of Lions Club, Bhopal, addressed the gathering and extended his support for stronger road safety measures, urging everyone to act as responsible citizens. Avinash Shrivastava warmly welcomed all the enthusiastic cyclists and thanked them for participating in the campaign. He stated that the United Nations Road Safety Week is observed every year during the third week of May, and this year it is being commemorated from 12th to 18th May. This marks the eighth edition of the initiative, and the theme for this year is — “Make Walking and Cycling Safe”, emphasizing the need to ensure safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
The theme of this year’s UN Global Road Safety Week, “Make Walking & Cycling Safe”, was powerfully embodied in the day’s events, which echoed the urgent need for protective infrastructure, public awareness, and state-level policy interventions.
The call for reform is grounded in alarming statistics. According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), Madhya Pradesh reported 13,427 road fatalities in 2022, with 10,356 deaths caused by over-speeding—one of the highest in the country. Road accidents in the state increased from 51,397 in 2018 to 54,432 in 2022, underscoring the worsening crisis. In Bhopal alone, 2024 saw 2,900 reported accidents, leading to 235 deaths and over 2,200 injuries.
At the conclusion of the event, participants signed a memorandum addressed to the Madhya Pradesh Transport Department, urging immediate implementation of scientifically defined speed limits, strict enforcement of traffic rules, and inclusion of non-motorized road users in state road safety frameworks.
