Bike Lane Pilot Project Backfires, Increasing Traffic Congestion and Safety Concerns

 Introduction

The Punjab government's green-marked bike lane pilot project on Lahore’s three-lane Ferozepur Road has faced strong criticism due to poor design and improper implementation, leading to increased traffic congestion and safety hazards. Many commuters and experts have voiced concerns that the dividers and blocks installed to separate bike lanes have reduced road space, making it difficult for vehicles to maneuver and increasing accident risks.

The project, initiated by the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) and the Punjab Safe Cities Authority, was meant to improve road safety for motorcyclists, who form a significant portion of road users. However, a lack of engineering planning and traffic management oversight have resulted in the opposite effect, with motorists and motorcyclists alike struggling with the new road design.

Bike Lane Issues & Public Backlash

Reduced Road Space & Traffic Congestion

The most pressing issue identified by motorists is the reduction of usable road space. The installation of dividers and blocks has significantly shrunk the lanes available for cars and buses, creating a major traffic bottleneck.

Traffic congestion has worsened, particularly during peak hours, as vehicles are forced to merge into a smaller space, leading to longer travel times and frustration among commuters.

Reports suggest that over 30% more traffic congestion has been observed compared to previous conditions before the bike lane was introduced.

Accident Risks & Safety Concerns

The absence of proper enforcement of traffic rules has also been a contributing factor. Many motorcyclists continue to ride in the main lanes, despite the bike lanes being designated for them.

A significant rise in accidents has been noted, with reports of collisions occurring almost daily due to the lack of clear road management strategies.

A medical student at Lahore’s General Hospital stated that accidents on Ferozepur Road have become a common occurrence, with victims frequently being brought in for treatment.

Poor Planning & Public Complaints

Motorists and daily commuters have expressed their frustration over the poorly planned bike lane.

Asad Nawaz, a shop owner, highlighted that the LDA's decision to choose Ferozepur Road for this project was flawed from the start.

Sajid, a regular commuter, pointed out that blocks on the road are too close together, forcing vehicles to drive extremely close to one another, making lane-changing difficult.

Ride-hailing drivers and transport operators have also criticized the project, stating that their work has been significantly affected by increased traffic jams.

Official Response & Future Plans

LDA’s Justification & Consideration of Changes

Despite the backlash, the LDA remains defensive of the project, arguing that the initiative was meant to increase road safety for motorcyclists and align Lahore’s urban infrastructure with international standards.

However, due to mounting public pressure, the LDA is now reconsidering modifications to the bike lane. LDA officials have stated that the blocks are removable and a proposal is under discussion to replace them with better-designed lane markings instead.

The project was not registered in any part of the province, meaning its status remains experimental.

The LDA has confirmed that a detailed review of the complaints will be conducted before any further expansion of the project.

Authorities have acknowledged that a better traffic management system needs to be introduced before implementing such projects on a wider scale.

Potential Solutions to Address Concerns

Urban planners and traffic management experts have suggested several improvements that could make the bike lane more effective while addressing the concerns of motorists:

1. Redesigning the lane dividers – Using reflective paint or flexible rubber dividers instead of solid blocks would make lane segregation clearer without restricting road space.

2. Better enforcement of traffic laws – Traffic police should ensure motorcyclists actually use the designated lanes rather than encroaching on the main road.

3. Traffic flow analysis – Conducting an in-depth study on traffic movement before finalizing bike lane projects.

4. Widening of roads – Instead of reducing space for vehicles, authorities could explore road expansion options to accommodate both cars and motorbikes.

Public Sentiment & Social Media Reactions

The bike lane project has sparked heated discussions on social media, with many Lahore residents criticizing the initiative as poorly planned and counterproductive.

Some users have called it a “waste of taxpayer money”, urging the government to focus on fixing existing road infrastructure instead.

Others have pointed out that the concept of bike lanes is positive, but the execution has been severely flawed.

A viral post on Twitter/X showed a video of a traffic jam on Ferozepur Road, blaming the bike lane for the congestion.

Conclusion: Lessons for Future Infrastructure Projects

The Lahore bike lane pilot project has unintentionally worsened traffic congestion and created new road safety risks, rather than improving conditions for motorcyclists. The lack of proper planning, poor execution, and absence of enforcement measures have led to public dissatisfaction and widespread criticism.

As the Punjab government and LDA reconsider their strategy, this project serves as a lesson for future urban planning efforts. Instead of rushing into poorly planned projects, authorities must conduct thorough traffic studies, engage with stakeholders, and implement smarter, more adaptable solutions to ensure long-term success.

Key Takeaways:

✔️ Bike lanes can be beneficial, but only if properly designed and enforced.

✔️ Reducing road space for vehicles without alternatives leads to congestion.

✔️ Public consultation is necessary before implementing major road changes.

✔️ Urban planning should prioritize efficiency & safety together.