Taking a feeble stand

PEDAL ON

Nearly three-and-a-half months ago, a similar non-profit movement was started by some enthusiasts, who set up cycle stands in various parts of the City in order to encourage more people to pedal their way about.

These stands are at the Lalbagh Gate, outside Koshy’s on St Mark’s Road and inside Bangalore University. Many stands have been set up at some of the star hotels across the City as well.

Though these facilities are useful, there are only a handful of cyclists who actually use them.  During peak hours, these stands just gather dust, with barely one cycle parked.
Sridhar Pabbisetty from ‘Ride A Cycle Foundation’, which was instrumental in
setting up the stands, says there is a lack of awareness about such facilities among people.

“It has only been a little over three months and people are yet to know about these stands. Such movements take time to catch on and until awareness is created, no one will know about them,” he says.

 Sridhar speaks about how challenging it is for a cyclist in the City to actually find a
secure parking space. “At these stands, people can actually just chain their bicycles to the stand and carry on with their work without worrying,” he says.

Considering these stands are located in popular parts of the City, what is stopping many of the cyclists from using them is the attitude of the people. Says Samim Rizvi, an endurance cyclist, “The situation of cyclists is going from bad to worse. People have to first change their attitude towards cycling in the City. Only then, such initiatives actually work. What people don’t understand is that in the long run, such things will help curb traffic.”

Kishan, a student, says that though he enjoys cycling as a hobby and even finds it light on the pocket, he does find it difficult to actually travel to places like Lalbagh, St Mark’s Road or even star hotels on a cycle. “The traffic is so horrible and unsafe for cyclists. People don’t even bother about the cyclists on the roads. At times, they drive so fast that they nearly run over us. In such situations, how can one travel all the way and use these facilities?” he asks.

There are many who find such facilities helpful and innovative. Sarath, a professional who cycles to work everyday, says that earlier, it used to be really hard to find a safe place to park his bicycle. “Making cycling a part of one’s lifestyle is a challenge. But such facilities do make things a little easier. Right now, these stands may seem like a waste of space but I am sure with time, more people will be encouraged to take to cycling and use them,” he says.