Photos: Uphill battle but Tehran aims to become bike-friendly

The city is increasing cycling paths and trying to make bicycles more accessible

Published: November 24, 2020 06:43 AFP and compiled by Balaram Menon, Senior Web Editor

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One sunny day, Tehran's mayor and foreign diplomats rode bicycles through the Iranian capital to promote cycling - no mean feat in a city of steep roads, heavy traffic and toxic fumes. Image Credit: AFP

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The metropolis of over eight million at the foot of the Alborz mountains is choked with vehicles running on subsidised fuel and has limited infrastructure for alternative modes of transport. | Above: Iranians ride their bicycles around the artificial Chitgar lake in Tehran. Image Credit: AFP

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But its mayor Pirouz Hanachi believes trying to make a dent in the city's traffic and pollution problem by promoting a bike-sharing initiative is worth the effort. Image Credit: AFP

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Hanachi (pictured) has tried to promote cycling by launching "Tuesdays without cars" when he and other team members use pedal power to get to and from the office. Image Credit: AFP

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"We are not saying this is the solution, but it's a short-term, accessible, cheap and productive" one to help "ease traffic and pollution a bit," he said. "It won't be like Amsterdam, but it can be a new experience." Image Credit: AFP

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Downtown Tehran is notorious for its traffic jams and regularly covered in vehicle exhaust smog worsened by pollution from factories around the city limits. Image Credit: AFP

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That is why the municipality is supporting a bike-sharing start-up called Bdood ("fumeless" in Farsi), the mayor said. Image Credit: AFP

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The company's signature orange bikes can now be seen in 147 stations across Tehran, according to the company's website. Image Credit: AFP

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For the mayor, Tehran residents would ideally commute to work by cycling to the nearest metro station then riding the train. Image Credit: AFP

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The municipality is "increasing cycling paths and trying to make bicycles more accessible," he added. Image Credit: AFP

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Yet cyclists say a lack of dedicated infrastructure makes it difficult for the city to be bike-friendly. Image Credit: AFP

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"Not at all," laughed Farshad Rezayi (pictured) when asked if Tehran was accommodating to cyclists. "Like, no way!" The 32-year-old chef, who said he is "addicted" to cycling, said he rides over 30 kilometres a day to get to and from work. Image Credit: AFP

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He crosses highways and streets with few dedicated bike lanes. Where they do exist, he said, they have mostly been taken over by motorbikes. Image Credit: AFP

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It is commonplace in Tehran to see motorcycles speeding down sidewalks or taking up empty space not occupied by cars. Image Credit: AFP

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"A lot more infrastructure is needed for regular cycling to be a thing," Rezayi said, adding that motorists and pedestrians mostly regard cyclists as "intruders". Image Credit: AFP

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