Uttar Pradesh has Asia’s first cycle highway. A first-of-its-kind project, the 207-km-long cycle highway runs between Etawah and Agra and was declared open. A rally of 90 cyclists from five countries and across India followed the inauguration ceremony at the Lion Safari in Etawah.

• Constructed by the UP public works department, the cycle highway runs parallel to the main highway and is about 7-feet-wide. A divider in between ensures the safety of cyclists. Along the way from Etawah to Agra, it dots 92 villages.
• The track begins from the lion safari in Etawah. On its way to Agra are tourist destinations like Naugava ka Quila, Raja Bhoj ki Haveli, and Bateshwarnath Temple. It ends at the eastern gate of the Taj Mahal in Agra.
• The track criss-crosses the natural beauty of the Chambal and Yamuna rivers. Views of ravines along the way will give tourists an opportunity to enjoy the serenity of the region.
• Local people can use it for daily commute as the track covers a distance of 207 km, dotting 92 villages across the two districts.
• The cycle tracks will not only give a boost to tourism, but also help in sustaining the environment.
• Chief minister Akhilesh Yadav wanted to transform the region as an ecologically conscious tourist destination, and the dedicated cycle tracks are a significant step towards promoting green and environment friendly commuting.