Cycle stations, rental options along BRT corridor soon

Monday , Nov 23, 2009

The Delhi Integrated Multi-modal Transit System (DIMTS), in charge of operating the BRT corridor between Ambedkar Nagar and Moolchand, is setting up five cycle stations along the corridor where people can also hire cycles at a nominal rate.

The corridor already has dedicated cycle lanes alongside the pavements. DIMTS has set up the first cycle station at the Greater Kailash-Siri Fort road junction, and four more are to follow over the next 10 days, officials said.

While cyclists can park their bikes at these places for a nominal charge, which is yet to be fixed, enthusiasts can also hire bikes at Rs 10 for the whole day.

"The idea is to promote non-motorised modes of transport," an official said, adding that nearly 20 per cent of Delhi's traffic comprises cyclists. The initiative is in collaboration with the Delhi Cycling Club (DCC), an NGO that carries out cycling tours around the city.

"We have been working with DIMTS for almost a year now on promoting cycling. To that end, we had organised a cycling rally in June, where participants were given bikes for free to ride along the corridor," said DCC convenor Nalin Sinha.

Officials said cycling tracks along the BRT corridor between Moolchand and Ambedkar Nagar is used extensively by people living in Madangir and Sangam Vihar areas.

DIMTS already has a non-motorised transport cell, meant to promote green options like cycling. The official said DIMTS is already getting queries for hiring bicycles.

DIMTS's move is in sync with the Delhi government's attempt to de-motorise streets around Commonwealth Games venues, during the sports extravaganza next October. While the government is looking at ensuring that maximum people use public transport like DTC buses and Metro during the Games, cycling tracks about 1.5 metres wide are an integral part of streetscaping around Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Lutyens Delhi and Delhi University areas.

The DIMTS decision is also in line with Delhi Metro's initiative of setting up bicycle stands and offering cycles on rent at its stations. the Metro has such cycle stations at Delhi University, Patel Chowk, Mandi House, Barakhamba Road and IP Extension stations.

Original news source http://www.indianexpress.com/news/cycle-stations-rental-options-along-brt-corridor-soon/544938/0