Potholes Drive Decline in Cycling, Reports Say

Concerns over deteriorating road conditions, particularly potholes, are contributing to a significant decline in cycling participation, with a reported 33% drop since the peak during the COVID-19 pandemic. Readers have voiced safety issues, recounting dangerous encounters with potholes, which have led to injuries and damage to bicycles. In response to the neglect of road maintenance, social activist Kota Shyam Kumar in Karimnagar has taken it upon himself to fill potholes using his own resources, highlighting the frustrations of citizens with local bureaucratic inaction. His initiative has garnered attention, as he has personally filled potholes at multiple locations, urging local authorities to prioritize road repairs. The Sri Lankan police's recent enforcement actions against private buses and three-wheelers reflect ongoing concerns about road safety, revealing a high incidence of accidents and fatalities related to these vehicles. These events underscore the urgent need for improved infrastructure and public safety measures to address the increasing risks associated with poor road conditions.