Bengaluru: Trin, trin! Now cycle away to glory

BENGALURU: In 1980, the cycle mode share in Bengaluru was 16 per cent, but now it has dropped to less than 2 per cent. 

In an effort to reverse this trend, Directorate of Urban Land Transport (DULT) and BBMP will replicate Mysuru's successful bicycle sharing system in the city.
Once implemented, one can rent the cycle for about Rs 5 an hour!  

How does it work?

“Cycles will be latched on to a bar in the docking station. The commuter can swipe his/her recharged smart card onto the reader. The money is deducted and the latch will automatically unlock,” said N. Murali Krishna, Special Officer, DULT.

“For those with smartphones, they can scan the QR code on the cycle. The software monitoring PBS full time will release the mechanical lock on the cycle. Recharge of cards can be done online or at dedicated centres,” Krishna said. 

With 6,000 cycles to be on road in Phase-1, the government plans to make the GPS enabled system complimentary to Namma Metro and BMTC, providing last mile connectivity. The advantages include reducing the onus on commuters to buy their own bicycles, less worry about how to get from metro/bus stop to their home/work place and a healthier lifestyle.

For advanced use of smart technology, Rs 80 crore will be spent in Phase 1, on building the software, docking stations, maintenance, infrastructure and operation across 28 square kilometres.

The department has identified government land majorly, to place docking stations. 

These will be within the premises of metro and bus stations, near TTMCs, educational institutions, malls, within a radius of around 500 metres. 

Initially nine areas will benefit from this scheme - HSR, Koramangala, M.G. Road, Vidhana Soudha, Indiranagar, Banaswadi, HRBR Layout, HBR Layout, and Kacharakanahalli. DULT’s urban planners have followed the Institute for transportation and development policy's (ITDP) guidelines, followed world over. 

The number of cycles at each docking station, will vary according the location and will be in the multiples of 12, 18, 24, 36, 48. Darpan Jain, DULT Commissioner told Deccan Chronicle,” We are yet to come out with the tender document. The financial model includes private partners who will invest in the cycles and technology while the state will provide basic infrastructure, cycle corridor and docking stations.”

“The docking spots will either be beside the pavement or will require civil works at some places. Bicycles lanes are a must. Tenders will be called by the end of December,” Jain informed.