Coastal Road cycling track: Here's an expert test drive, and handy tips to help

Initial thoughtsThe track had stirred quite the anticipation in the community after the Bandra Kurla Complex cycling track failed to impress We were expecting a track for recreational cycling as opposed to commuting and thatrsquos exactly what we received This will be the third promenade that cyclists will make a beeline to after Marine Drive and Bandra Bandstand Unlike the BKC track this one offers a clear path devoid of trees jutting out or breaks in continuity Itrsquos a major win for children and senior citizens who might find it difficult to navigate complex routesWhatrsquos goodRight off the bat it was great to see dedicated cycle parking spots on the promenade For cyclists who drive from far off suburbs there is a spacious dedicated vehicle parking space near the Worli Dairy entry point that opens to the promenade Ramped approach ways to the track means it is easier not only for cyclists like me but also wheelchair users to reach the promenadeA senior cyclist enters the promenade via an underpassThe ride on the 525 kmlong route itself was smooth with an even surface split into two spacious lanes I felt like I was cycling closer to the sea compared to my previous rides on Marine Drive and the old Worli Sea Face promenade before it underwent this revamp Placing the track at a safe distance from the road seems to have been a good idea Senior citizens and children will feel safer cycling or even learning how to cycle on this trackThe magic as it has always been in Mumbai is the sea Cycling here and watching waves crash as you pedal your way with cool wind in your hair is a feeling you need to experience firsthand to understand I urge every Mumbaikar to try it at least onceOpen to suggestionsOne of the first recommendations I shared was the placement of reflectors in the ramp area leading to and from the promenade Antiskid mats are also the need of the hour given Mumbairsquos rainfall and the trackrsquos proximity to the seaThe cycle stand at the promenade where regular police patrolling promises to keep a watchful eye on riders PICS COURTESYVIJAY MALHOTRAWhile some might believe less is more we could use some artwork in areas like the pedestrian underpasses Motion sensorenabled lighting can be used to create an immersive experience while also saving electricityIn many parts of Europe sensors are devised to capture cyclist data Numbers on how many cyclists use the track and at what time can help the authorities in the upkeep of the trackClosing commentsThe new track is the first step in the right direction for Mumbai Show up with your friends family or solo but leave it like you were never here The ball is now in our park to ensure the track is not littered vandalised or misusedThe spacious underground parking lot at WorliI had a conversation with the civic authorities about our community members who have lost their lives to cyclistmotorist accidents We discussed the case of the late tech entrepreneur Avtar Singh Saini whose fatal accident on Palm Beach Road in Navi Mumbai last year shook the city and the cycling community in particular While the new track is here I hope the city fosters a new sense of cyclistmotorist harmony as wellPro tipsgtgt While the track is open till midnight meaning there is enough room and time for everyone cycling in daylight is always safer for beginnersgtgt With monsoon clouds still above us keep in mind this handy to do listVijay Malhotra1 A shower cap under your helmet2 Allweather shoes Do not cycle in slippers3 Waterproof lightsgtgt In case of accidents or emergencies the nearest hospitals along the track are1 Subway 4 Breach Candy Hospital or Jaslok Hospital2 Subway 11 and 14 Siddhachal Hospital Ganpatrao Kadam MargENTRY POINTS Subway 4 Bhulabhai Desai Road Subway 11 Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan Road Subway 6 Haji Ali Junction Subway 14 Bindumadhav Thackeray ChowkTIMINGS 7 am to 12 am