Cycling Becomes More Popular in Iran After Coronavirus Outbreak

A rising number of citizens in Iranian metropolises are switching to cycling as a clean, healthy and safe means of transportation, especially since the coronavirus outbreak in Iran in February.
In the capital city of Tehran, cyclists have doubled in number compared to the last Iranian year that ended on March 19, 2020, the head of Clean Transportation Development Office at Tehran Municipality told Tasnim News Agency.
Yaqoub Azadehdel added that cycling involves the least amount of social contact and is a great way to cut the Covid-19 infection chain. 
“It can also inject some physical activity in today’s sedentary lives and boost the citizen’s health condition,” he said. 
Equipping subway stations with bicycle racks, designating cycling tracks along the main roads, establishing shared biking system and running public awareness campaigns are among measures taken by urban officials to promote cycling.
Azadehdel noted that TM is also making efforts to expand biking lanes and facilities for the general public. 
Bikers have access to a total of four biking lanes in the capital, the latest of which was established last year in June. 
This lane is located in the eastern part of Taleqani Street, which horizontally crosses districts 6 and 7 in the center of the city.
Stretching over 1 kilometer between Mofatteh and Shariati streets, the lane is equipped with signage, lane markings and fences.
However, the other three lanes are concentrated in one area, as Karimkhan, Iranshahr and Mofatteh streets with one bike lane each are located in Tehran’s District 6.