The inauguration of Bangladesh’s first dedicated cycle track in Chittagong is a welcome step towards safer, more sustainable urban transport. Stretching 2.2 kilometres, the new facility demonstrates how road infrastructure can be designed to accommodate cyclists and pedestrians alongside motorized traffic.
However, this initiative must be the beginning of a broader shift in how we plan our roads. In Bangladesh, road planning has long prioritized the movement of motor vehicles, often at the expense of pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport users. In crowded cities such as Dhaka and Chittagong, this imbalance contributes to congestion, unsafe journeys, and an urban environment that discourages walking and cycling.
Dedicated cycling or bike lanes should therefore be introduced across major urban roads wherever feasible, with physical barriers and clear markings to prevent other vehicles from encroaching on them. Equally important are dedicated bus lanes that allow public transport to move efficiently without being trapped in the same congestion as private cars. Better bus services, reliable schedules, and safe boarding facilities would encourage more people to choose public transport, reducing the number of private vehicles on the roads.
These measures must be supported by comprehensive planning, and road projects must also account for drainage, roadside activity, and connections between different modes of transport instead of treating each development as an isolated undertaking. The authorities must ensure that these facilities are maintained, kept free from illegal parking and encroachment, and supported by consistent enforcement of traffic laws.
Chittagong’s new cycle track offers a practical example of what better road design can achieve. The challenge now is to replicate and also improve upon this approach nationwide. Our roads should not merely move vehicles faster; they must enable everyone to travel safely, comfortably, and affordably. Better road planning must be treated as a necessity for a safer, more liveable Bangladesh.
Why it matters
Comprehensive road and transport planning directly dictates urban safety, congestion levels, and sustainable mobility across Bangladesh's expanding cities.