India, July 23 -- LUCKNOW Cycle tracks that could have helped reduce carbon footprints in the state capital have become forgotten faciliies and glaring examples of civic neglect. Once hailed as a major step towards decongesting city roads, these lanes now serve either as dumping sites, footpaths or roadside extensions for commercial establishments.

A spot check by HT across these tracks on Monday revealed widespread encroachment by street vendors, illegal parking and large patches of broken/missing concrete slabs.

The cycle tracks developed along Kalidas Marg, Vikramaditya Marg, Kursi Road, Hazratganj, Gomti Nagar, Indira Nagar and Vikas Nagar have largely been taken over by encroachers or damaged due to years of neglect. At many locati...