Hyderabad: The city’s cycling community has launched Street Audit India, a civic awareness initiative aimed at promoting road safety, civic sense and the better use of public spaces through active citizen participation.As part of the initiative, cyclists will volunteer alongside traffic and law-and-order police personnel to raise awareness about key civic and traffic issues, including encroached footpaths, lane discipline, misuse of high beams, unnecessary honking, free-left violations, school-zone safety, bus bay usage and pedestrian-friendly walking zones.Members of the cycling community said the initiative was born out of growing concern over shrinking public spaces and deteriorating road discipline.“When there is enough space and discipline, roads can work for everyone. But when footpaths are encroached and lanes are ignored, there is no space for anyone,” said Ravi Netha Sambari, co-founder of Hyderabad Cycling Revolution.Cyclists associated with the programme are already volunteering with the Cyberabad traffic police. Under the new initiative, they will also accompany police teams during night patrols. In a first-of-its-kind effort, some police personnel are expected to patrol on bicycles alongside volunteers to strengthen public engagement and promote responsible road behaviour.“The initiative also aims to serve as a bridge between citizens and the govt by documenting on-ground issues and encouraging corrective action through constructive civic engagement rather than criticism,” added Santosh Mallareddi, one of the core members of the group.Volunteers said the campaign will leverage social media, on-ground awareness drives and direct engagement with commuters to highlight everyday issues affecting pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.“This is not just about cycling. It is about civic education and road safety,” said Anjani TSN, another co-founder of the cycling community. “Authorities have a role to play, but citizens too must take responsibility for how they use roads, footpaths and public spaces.”The group said the campaign will initially focus on promoting road etiquette and civic responsibility before gradually expanding its outreach to more neighbourhoods across the city.
