Foldable cycles are expensive than the regular bicycles, say commuters
Bangalore: Metro commuters are disappointed with Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited’s (BMRCL) guidelines on bicycles. The guidelines mention that commuters can’t carry regular bicycles inside the metro. Currently, only foldable bicycles are allowed in the metro.
However, in other metro cities like Kochi, Mumbai and Pune, commuters are allowed to carry regular bicycles inside the metro. Mumbai metro in fact allows commuters to carry bicycles – both regular and foldable – without any extra charges. Affordability is an issue with the Bangalore Metro’s guidelines. As, foldable bicycle costs more than a regular one. “A foldable bicycle costs more than Rs. 12,000 to Rs.13,000. Whereas, a normal bicycle costs around Rs. 5,000-6,000,” said Disha, a cyclist.
Yashavanth Chavan Public Relation Officer (PRO), BMRCL said that the BMRCL won’t allow regular bicycle inside the metro, as they prioritise the security and safety of passengers. “ Chavan said that foldable bicycles fit through the scanners.
“People who carry regular bicycles can park their cycle at the parking area and can use the metro,” said Chavan.
Arihant, a ninth standard student who rides a bicycle said that he uses the metro to attend his football training classes. Since he can’t carry his regular cycle in the metro he usually ends up spending extra money for auto.“Everyone uses regular cycles and no one will buy a foldable cycle just for metro,” he added.
An online petition filed by Sanjith Rao pointed out that, “99 per cent of people cannot take their cycles on the metro. Cycling enthusiasts and commuters using non–foldable cycles for their last mile transport and various other reasons will be benefited if these kinds of cycles were allowed.”
According to a global report , India ranks first across the world with the most number of bicycle riders,followed by China, Netherlands and Canada.
Prof. M N Sreehari, advisor to the Karnataka government for traffic, transport and infrastructure said, “BMRCL should install cycle racks inside the metro train, as parking cycles in the parking area may pose security risks.”
Vikram Bhat, an urban planner said that Bangalore metro should allow regular bicycles inside the metro, which will encourage people to use cycle more. “BMRCL should have dedicated coaches just for cyclists,” he suggested.
