JOIN US Automated Tracking and Control of Green Assets (ATCGA), perhaps one of the first automated projects in the country under which bicycles are being rented out to citizens at six Metro stations on Reach 1, may be extended to other parts of the City to promote green mode of transport.
The firm behind the project, Kerberon Automations, says it has planned ‘Lend A Cycle’ docking facility at prominent locations in Jayanagar, JP Nagar, Indiranagar, Koramangala and Malleswaram. Its Chief Operating Officer Srinivas Ramesh said the BMTC had given in-principle approval to setting up docking stations at its bus stations.
“We have been in talks with the officials. Both the BMTC and the BMRCL are very supportive of the idea,” Ramesh said.
He further explained that the firm had prepared an internal report on setting up the docking facility at 150 places across the City. “The only thing we have to ensure is connectivity between one docking station and another, so that those who rent a cycle have enough options to keep it back as per their convenience,” he added.
The firm is also upbeat about the Green Line of Namma Metro which was thrown open between Peenya Industry and Sampige Road on March 1.
“There are already a large number of people who travel on this line every day,” Ramesh said.
“This gives us an excellent opportunity to encourage people to cycle along the Metro stations for doing their mundane chores or visiting a nearby place. It will not only reduce traffic congestion but also the air and noise pollution.”
Asked about the risks involved in cycling given the traffic on roads, Srinivas said that as long as a cyclist wears safety helmet and drives in their lane, why would any vehicle run him over.
Started three years ago, the ATCGA project has about 450 registered users and counting. The firm hopes that the Department of Urban Land Transport (DULT) will open many more dedicated lines for cyclists across the City, like the one in Jayanagar which has received good response.