Over a year down the line, the 2.7-kilometre cycling track is hardly being used by cyclists, thanks to the inconsistent and non-continuous lanes, poor design and infrastructure and bad choice of paving materials, making their journey uncomfortable.

A brief assessment of Tinkune-Maitighar Cycle Track Design by Clean Air Network Nepal (CANN) found that instead of using the existing cycling track, people prefer to use the carriageway. One of the major design faults discouraging cycle users to use the track was the disconnected and inconsistent track and sidewalk that is visible throughout the stretch, for instance, near Bijulibazaar bridge section. Likewise, there is no proper connectivity and signage at the start and end of cycle track, while the track is completely missing in some stretches such as in front of Nepal Art Council, Babarmahal.

Obstructions including raised manhole covers, potholes, electric poles and other utilities on the cycling track and lack of design for storm water run-off further deterred the cyclists. None of the intersections between Maitighar-Tinkune section are cycle-friendly while priority is being given to the mobility of the vehicles in driveways.

“A network of cycle track is a prerequisite for encouraging more people to cycle. The existing Tinkune-Maitighar cycling track should be immediately improved and extended to central business district areas and integrated with the airport cycling track for better connectivity,” the assessment report recommends.