The cycle transport service model is likely to be flagged off in Ghatkopar, offering citizens cycle rides on selected routes for a nominal cost. The service will be run by the civic body under the aegis of an NGO.
In a bid to encourage non-motorised transport amongst Mumbaikars, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is contemplating first-ever cycle transport service in the city. The corporation, which demarcated 470 free bicycle parking slots across 47 civic-owned parking facilities recently, is now readying its apparatus to roll out cycle transport service pilot project.
The cycle transport service model is likely to be flagged off in Ghatkopar, offering citizens cycle rides on selected routes for a nominal cost. The service will be run by the civic body under the aegis of an NGO.
The pilot project will be implemented in Ghtakopar West area at five pre-selected stops. The service would make bicycles available on rent to citizens commuting in the region. Five parking hubs have already been earmarked and installed with cycle parking stands for the service, expected to start from August.
"Commuters can hire cycles from these shelters against fixed charges and on submission of an identity proof. People will be charged Rs5 for each ride, apart from the registration charge of Rs 250," a senior BMC officer said, adding that citizens interested in availing themselves the service would have to submit original copies of their ID proofs, preferably government documents.
The officer outlined that, low price points, easy accessibility and availability of bicycles were making citizens look to rental start-ups for travel solutions when visiting metros like Mumbai.
In 2011, a similar service was contemplated to start from Bandra railway station. The service was pitched and supported by a Facebook poll, conducted by a cycle rental service company to collate commuter feedback on cycling to short distances like workplaces and homes. A substantial number of people who voted for the service was from the western suburbs, such as Bandra and Andheri. However, not much was heard of the service and its success.
However, learning lessons from the single point bicycle service system, the BMC lapped up the 'multiple-point rental service' proposal submitted by the NGO. Now, the civic body is also thinking of developing a cycling policy to promote use of bicycles.
"A service without a policy will fail very soon. With the help of the policy, we will be able to create a cycling working group involving appropriate stakeholders, identify users' needs and expectations and develop integrated strategic bicycle promotion," the officer explained.
Low-price urban bike rental schemes are increasingly popular in countries like France, China and Canada. The trend has largely been driven by a desire to reduce traffic congestion. Slow but sure, the BMC seems to be accepting the model of denser, less car-dependent city, which is becoming the accepted wisdom across the developed world.
PROPOSED SERVICE AREAS IN GHATKOPAR
01. Metro Pillar No. 120
02. Bhatwadi ward No. 122
03. RB Kadam Marg
04. Amrut Nagar Circle
05. Parsiwadi Naka
(Each of the five spots will have 10-12 bicycles, which can be hired for Rs 5, after registering for the service at the fee of Rs250)
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