There is no shortage of people who want to change the transportation system due to its environmental impact. However, current circumstances and infrastructure limitations hinder this change. This is evident from the experiences of bicycle riders traveling to Vilimale’.
“How nice would it be if Male’ roads are as peaceful as this. How relaxed are they in bicycles and battery cycles. There is no threat to children as well,” a youth said.
This is also sentiments shared by Bike Maldives. As World Bicycle Day is commemorated today, there is no place to drive bicycles in Male’ area even if there are many who desire to do so. There has been no solution to the concerns of Bike Maldives since the organization’s inception over 10 years ago. 
People prepare to bike in Hulhumale'. (Photo/Bike Maldives)
“Want to use bicycle, but there is no opportunity for it”
Bike Maldives’ President Zulaikha Hassan Didi’s concern is also this. She cited a lack of cooperation from the government, even if the organization wishes to increase bicycle users.
A survey conducted by Bike Maldives shows that a large number of people wish to use bicycles even at present.
However, there are many obstructions to this. For instance, there is no designated parking space for a person commuting to office on a bicycle. Moreover, bicycles are often stolen within minutes of being parked.  Citing public complaints, Zulaikha stated that, despite people's willingness, there is little opportunity to use bicycles
“Many foreigners residing in the Maldives also said if the bicycles were allowed on bridge, they would be commuting to work on bicycles. Is this not how they choose a healthy lifestyle,” she added.
Sinamale' Bridge. (Sun Photo/Naish Nahid)
The scene is no different in Hulhumale’. The lane, which was initially designated for bicycles near the Central Park, has now been changed to a parking zone.
Bike Maldives was hopeful when former president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom’s administration said Sinamale’ Bridge will contain a lane specific for bicycles. However, there was no such lane at the inauguration of the bridge.
“Until [Sinamale’ Bridge] was completed, officials from Public Works were showing us renderings of the ‘bike lane’. That there will be one [a bike lane on the bridge]. On the day of inauguration, we were given the opportunity the ride. On that day, 1,003 people had participated in this after purchasing bicycles,” she recalled.
As a solution, Bike Maldives has requested to designate ‘Walking Lane’ on Sinamale’ Bridge for bikes on multiple occasions. The organization has also requested to designate a lane to bike to Hulhumale’ on Friday mornings from 6:00am to 7:00am, if a whole lane cannot be designated.
Zulaikha believes there will be an increase in bicycle users if such an arrangement is implemented.
Children biking in Hulhumale'. (Photo/Bike Maldives)
Bike Maldives has submitted its request to the incumbent Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen as well. The request had been put forth to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu before he had been elected president. However, no progress has been made on this front to date.
Although Bike Maldives has been urging the government to address these issues for the past 10 years, there has been no sign of a solution. Despite the low number of bicycle users, the organization remains hopeful and continues its efforts.
Despite the challenges and concerns, members of Bike Maldives continue to go on bike runs every Friday morning.
A flair of hope for bicycle users
A flair of hope has been instilled in Bike Maldives and bicycle lovers with a post on X from President Muizzu earlier today.
In this regard, the President said the government is working on developing ways to introduce environmentally friendly biking across all Maldivian cities. He did not provide any further details.
President Muizzu underscored the need to rethink our transportation system as cities become more congested. He said the government is actively engaged in developing ways to introduce environmentally friendly biking in all the cities of the Maldives in line with this vision.
Bikers in the Maldives pose for a photo. (Photo/Bike Maldives)
For a country as environmentally fragile as the Maldives, increasing bicycle usage—drawing inspiration from other nations—could significantly help reduce environmental damage.