PBS system: Pedalling inefficiency, bad planning

The much-talked-about Public Bicycle Sharing (PBS) system, a sustainable, alternative mode of transport, is gradually losing its steam for various reasons. The construction of cycle tracks is moving at a snail’s pace and now there is opposition from local corporators and residents against setting up parking hubs for these bicycles in different areas.

The state government is yet to realise that the PBS, if well implemented and maintained, can be an ideal mode of transport that provides end-to-end connectivity and will help in reducing vehicles on the road and cutting down noise and air pollution.

Now, bicycle parking spaces, which are planned and funded by the Directorate of Urban Land Transport (DULT) and executed by the BBMP, are being set up. But at a few places, the location of parking lots is being disputed by corporators and residents, who claim that the parking spaces are eating into the footpath space, causing inconvenience to pedestrians.

When Deccan Chronicle checked with a BBMP official on the stiff opposition from corporators and locals on the parking hubs near residences, he said that there were a few instances of corporators and local people not being happy with the parking space on footpaths. “But we don’t know why there was opposition as these spaces were identified along with DULT and traffic police officials. Also, parking spaces are positioned in such a way that the pedestrian movement is not hindered,” he said.

“We have informed Mayor Gangambike and she has told us to continue with the work. She said the corporators do not have a say in this and she will ask them not to cause any trouble,” he said.

“If the parking space is causing problems for pedestrians, we will carry out another inspection and move them to other suitable slots,” the officer added.

Also, setting up of cycle tracks in central business district (CBD) and surrounding areas has been moving at a snail’s pace, and the only visible cycle track is on Cubbon Road.

A senior BBMP officer, who did not want to be named, said, “We agree that the works related to cycle track are going on at a slow pace. This was noticed by other senior officers and it was brought to the notice of the Mayor. The slow pace is because of heavy traffic movement. Also, it cannot be carried out in the night as labourers find it difficult to execute the work in poor light. There are several such reasons for the delay.”

The officials will discuss the issue threadbare and ensure the work picks up pace. “We too know the importance of cycle tracks and already, there is a gradual increase in people cycling in CBD areas and other parts of the city. There were plans to take up laying of cycle tracks in areas like Whitefield, but the ongoing Metro work is causing a hindrance. But wherever we can, we will try to finish the work at the earliest,” he said.

The PBS project was approved by the state government and BBMP, and Rs 8.4 crore has already been sanctioned to carry out the works. To accommodate cycles, the parking space is being set up and for now 271 spaces has been identified and the work at 20 spots has begun.

We want to use cycles, but infra is lacking: Enthusiasts

We want to use cycles, but infra is lacking: Enthusiasts

When the government is sanctioning projects, it is its duty to provide necessary infrastructure. When the Public Bicycle Sharing (PBS) was announced, the parking space and dedicated cycling lane projects too were given the nod simultaneously. But as it turns out, both the projects are lagging behind, infuriating cycling enthusiasts, who blame the laxity of the government and the civic body in not ensuring speedy execution.

The city has seen an increase in the number of people using bicycles either to go to work or to carry out small errands. But lack of dedicated cycle lanes and parking spaces is discouraging the cyclists. The work has begun at many places, but is moving at a snail’s pace.

Mr Sridhar R.V., a cycling enthusiast and a module trainer in a well-known company, said that he commutes to his office on MG Road from his house which is in Frazer Town. “I have seen an increase in the number of people cycling to work. As the vehicular population is increasing, so are traffic jams. People are trying to shun motor vehicles to avoid getting stuck in traffic and are making efforts to use sustainable mode of transport, which is the bicycle. But there are no proper cycle tracks. We have been hearing from the government that there will be dedicated cycle lanes coming up soon, but nothing is visible. There was a cycle lane in front of the Kanteerava Stadium, but it has vanished, and it is now being used by autorickhsaws.”

He said, “When people are getting interested in using cycles, it is the duty of the government and BBMP to provide them with cycle lanes and parking spaces. When the administration is disinterested, the government cannot ask people to leave their vehicles at home and use cycles for short-distance commute. I was cycling to work for over six months but as there was a high risk of me getting mowed down, I started using my bike again.”

Ms Usha Rani, who is also a cycle enthusiast, said, “Western countries are trying to execute cycling projects to cut down carbon emissions, but governments here are still talking about constructing flyovers and underpasses. We want to use bicycles but can we be safe is the question. Motorists do not respect cyclists on the road and put their lives in danger. The civic body and other concerned departments should start focusing on building cycle tracks, which will ensure the safety of cyclists. Also, parking spaces should be set up at right locations without taking up too much space. It is sad to see rental cycles parked on footpaths and roadsides."  She hoped that the government builds proper infrastructure and encourages people to use bicycles, instead of spending money on road widening and flyover projects.