With the amount of things being done to curb pollution and live a healthier life, many people in the city are opting to use bicycle as their mode of transport, as it was in the 1900s. With a rise in the number of bicycle riders, parking spaces for the same are close to none. In order to resolve this problem, the Public Bicycle Sharing Project was executed. The Directorate of Urban Land Transport (DULT) is all set to implement its Public Bicycle Sharing (PBS) project over the next two months. The project, which was announced a year ago, has received a push now with Bengaluru Traffic Police approving the setting up of 300 parking hubs. Starting with over 3,000 cycles, in the future the number is likely to increase to over 6,000. Talking to city based bicycle enthusiasts we find out what they think.
Sruthi T S, an employee with an NGO, opines that the project will inspire people to cycle more. She says, “It is high time! A place like Bengaluru always needed a Public Bicycle Sharing Project. While a few people in the city are taking steps towards reducing carbon footprint with bicycles as a means of transport, this initiative will motivate many to get on the bicycle. PBS (Public Bicycle Sharing) is a hit in Mysuru and has more then 10,000 users today. And Bengaluru, with its health conscious crowd and growing traffic issues, will not take much time in making good use of PBS. Often I have found it difficult to park my bicycle. Due to the lack of parking, I had to take away food rather than sit and eat. Safety is a big reason many don’t use bicycle as a means of transport. With implementation of PBS, the immediate focus should be bicycle tracks which ensures cyclist’s safety.”
This city-based student feels that with the provision of parking spaces, a security measure too needs to be provided. Rohit Rajiv says, “It is a really good initiative both in terms of curbing pollution and for a healthier way of living. Over the past few months, I have noticed a lot of cyclists. Parking space is a must as these cycles are very expensive. With this space, I feel a security measure too needs to be provided. Getting space to park cycles on Church Street which is said to be cycle friendly is very difficult. I have had to pay the security guard to look after the cycle and also there is no guarantee to it. When I cycle in the city now, I am constantly looking over my shoulder to see if any vehicle is approaching, but with a separate lane, this is no longer necessary.”
Akash Nambiar who commutes on his cycle atleast twice a week feels that this initiative will motivate people to live a healthier life. He says, “Having separate parking spaces and a specific lane is a safe move. Its really great to see the city adopting cycling as a means of commuting, which was only seen in countries like Netherlands. There is a cycling lane on St. Marks Road but it is completely occupied by bikers and vendors. I normally cycle to Cubbon Park and then I run. It is completely at my own risk that I park it there before I go for my run. Therefore a parking space will be great.”
Bicycle Mayor of Bengaluru city, Satya Shankaran, sharing his thoughts, says, “This is a very important project and it is great that the police is finally recommending it. It comes in handy especially for last mile connectivity for people who use the metros and other public transports. The city has a capacity of having over a lakh to two lakh bicycles and stands being established. For example, atleast 10 percent of the people travelling in the metros would want to use a cycle to get to their destination.”
