Pune Cycle Plan gets a boost

The Pune Cycle Plan has got a boost with the civic body of Maharashtra's cultural capital inking a deal with Ofo, the world's first and largest station-free app based bike-sharing platform.

Prepared with support from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India, the Pune Cycle Plan sets out to create the necessary infrastructure for proper cycle tracks, a city-wide cycle network, seamless public sharing bicycle schemes and development of cycle promotion activities for encouraging the use of this eco-friendly mode of transport.

Mobility has become a major civic issue in Pune recently as facilities for public commuting have not kept pace with the city's growth. As per Pune Municipal Corporation's Environment Status Report 2016-17, with 700 private vehicles being added to the roads every day, the city's vehicle population is now equal to its human population. This rapid rise in vehicular traffic is leading to air pollution, health problems, accidents, and wastage of time in traffic congestion. Recognizing this, the PMC has come up with the Pune Cycle Plan as part of its Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP).

Rajarshi Sahai, Director of Public Policy & Communications, Ofo said, "We wish to improve its quality of life in the city by providing a healthier, quicker, and greener alternative to motor vehicles. Our station-free bike-sharing concept has improved the transportation in cities across the world. Our mission is to solve the 'last mile' transportation problem in India's urban areas and we see immense potential in Pune for Ofo's convenient, affordable and low carbon way of travel.

Speaking on the initiative Pune's Municipal Commissioner Kunal Kumar, said, "We are getting closer to our vision of sustainable mobility and healthy living in Pune. Along with partnerships for public bicycle sharing with partners like Ofo, we are creating infrastructure where cycling is safe, attractive, comfortable and the travel mode of choice. As more people switch to bikes from cars for short-distance travel, apart from getting exercise, they will also help reduce traffic congestion, fuel consumption and air pollution."

Till date, Ofo has operations in over 250 cities across 20 countries alongside widespread usage by over 200 million global users with more than 6 billion efficient, convenient and green rides. This innovative bike sharing platform requires no fixed docking stations, thus providing significant flexibility for user to find and return bikes.