We all know that physical activities improve our physical as well as mental fitness. But how many of us regularly take some time out of our busy schedules to exercise? Lack of physical activities in your routine may lead to the development of different health problems, too soon. In order to encourage people to lean towards physical activities, authorities in Islamabad have been working towards the development of parks that will not only beautify the city but also motivate people to adopt a healthy lifestyle. As part of this effort, Capital Development Authority (CDA) along with the administration of Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) and Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) are planning to develop more cycling tracks in Islamabad. While some are in the pipeline, others have already been built.
Cycling Tracks In Islamabad
Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan, is one of the most beautiful cities in the country. Surrounded by the towering hills of Margalla, living in this city is a dream of many residents of the country. Who wouldn’t want to wake up to the mesmerizing views of green mountains every day and remain entranced by the beauty of nature during their commute? In addition to the scenic beauty, the capital city is well planned, complete with modern infrastructure, facilities and luxuries that are essential for living a top-quality lifestyle. One of the perks of living in Islamabad is that you have easy access to parks; they may not be as huge and sprawling as the ones in Lahore, but Islamabad has been planned in a way that almost every neighbourhood is home to a small park. Some of these green spaces also have dedicated cycling tracks where adults and children can ride in a risk-free environment.
Cycling was once a popular mode of transportation, but now that the world has turned more car-centric, it’s become more of a hobby than a necessity. After the outbreak of the global pandemic, however, people have once again started cycling as the roads are relatively less traffic-heavy and you don’t really need a lot of people to enjoy a bike ride. The activity has become so popular in the capital that the authorities of Islamabad have felt the need to develop dedicated cycling tracks so that the public can indulge in cycling with utmost convenience. Let us take a look at the list of cycling tracks in Islamabad:
- Gomal Road Cycling Track in sector E-7
- Cycling track in sector F-8 park
- Shahra-e-Dastoor Cycling Track
- Faisal Avenue
Let’s look at the details of these cycling tracks.
Gomal Road Cycling Track In Sector E-7
Cycling in the middle of heavy traffic can be dangerous and even a slight error or carelessness can result in a mishap. A dedicated cycling track along the road is a risk-free travel route for cyclists where they can peddle at their own pace without any vehicles behind honking at them. One such cycling track is on Gomal Road in Islamabad where cyclists can now enjoy an evening ride with their cycling partners.
The 700 meters long track runs along the main road built by the apex city authority on the rising demand of residents. As reported by a leading newspaper, other cycle tracks have also been built on Gomal Road by the cooperation of Machine Pool Organization (MPO). For those who are unsure about the location of Gomal Road, it is in Sector E-7. For those who prefer to run or brisk walk, the capital got you covered for that too because there is a separate jogging track next to the cycling track
Cycling Track In F-8 Park
Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration in collaboration with the Metropolitan Corporation of Islamabad (MCI) built a cycling track in a mini-park of Sector F-8 to ensure a positive activity for the locals. It is a 900-meter-long track that cost around PKR 0.9 million. It’s a nice place where people, especially children, can safely ride bicycles.
Kids cycling on roads even within the housing society can be worrisome for some parents. A cycling track within a greenbelt and a boundary wall help alleviate safety concerns even if kids decide to enjoy recreational activities, unsupervised, for a few moments. If you think about it, visiting this park has two benefits. One, your kids can perform healthy physical activities including cycling, and two, you can also walk in the park to maintain your health.
Shahra-e-Dastoor Cycling Track
The cycling track on Shahra-e-Dastoor is probably the first cycling track in Islamabad that was built in 2016. After this was opened to the public, it was expected that more cycling tracks and dedicated cycling lanes on main roads will also be built for the peddlers. At the inauguration ceremony of the cycling track, it was ensured by the mayor of Islamabad that there will be more places for the public to engage in recreational activities.
Faisal Avenue
Soon after the outbreak of COVID-19, people all over the world picked up cycling as a hobby and why not? After all, the roads were clear and the air quality had never been that good before. The same trend was also picked up here in Pakistan and many people rushed to the markets to buy new cycles if they already didn’t have one. Seeing the rise in the number of cyclists on roads, ICT, CDA and MCI promptly announced plans for three cycling tracks in Faisal Avenue, Margalla Road and Sector F-6.
The authorities worked to provide international standard facilities to the cyclists on these tracks including lights at night. One of these tracks was renovated while the other two were built from scratch. The one on Faisal Avenue has reportedly been completed.
Upcoming Cycling Tracks In Islamabad
Recently, as part of the campaign to develop, restore and beautify public parks in Islamabad, development work at the sites of five different parks in Sector D-12 will begin soon. These parks are also expected to have dedicated cycle tracks. The D-12 sector is one of the oldest areas of the city and its location is very close to the Margalla Hills. These parks will provide a good opportunity for residents to enjoy cycling without having to travel too far from the neighbourhood.
We have also covered a piece on cycling tracks in Lahore. It will tell you all about the routes where you can enjoy cycling, risk-free, as an outdoor activity in the City of Gardens. If you want to know more about the benefits of cycling and walking, you can visit our blog. For more informative pieces on lifestyle, follow Zameen Blog, the best lifestyle blog in Pakistan.
