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Bicycle. Picture for representative purposes only. Picture Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons.
Imagine the convenience of being able to walk into a dedicated bicycle track, and renting a GPS-enabled bicycle. Taking a cue from Amsterdam, and based on suggestions by IIT-Kharagpur, the New Town Kolkata Development Authority (NDKA) has set up grade-separated dedicated bicycle tracks in two stretches.
The public 'rent-a-bicycle' system will be operated by a private partner, selected through a transparent process.
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An NKDA official informed the Times of India, “We prefer bicycles that will follow the dockless model of being GPS-enabled so that users can track it. NKDA will only charge a minor parking fee for using any of the designated parking lots. Users will have to pay a nominal charge to the service providers”.
Multiple options are being explored as to how these cycles may be hired. One system is app-based, and another is mobile-wallet based. The user would be able to access and use the cycle and leave it in any public place, within the limits of the township after riding.
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Dedicated bicycle tracks are a significant step toward encouraging cycling as a preferable mode of transport. If the authorities can provide dedicated pathways for cyclists, it will definitely push more people to give up burning fuel, and choose cycling — a clean mode of transport that doesn’t leave a carbon footprint!
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