‘Cycling culture will come to Delhi’

Akanksha Jain speaks to DDA Vice Chairman Balvinder Kumar on the prospects of the PBS project.

What is your idea of the Public Cycle Sharing project?

The cycle system for last mile connectivity is in place in part of Saket for commuting to and from the metro station. There should be, I feel, a policy in Delhi where all agencies should introduce such projects. The cycle sharing system can be replicated in any part of the city.

How is such a system going to help the city?

The cycle sharing system will help immensely in decongestion.

How do you see people adapting to such a system in a city where not many would cycle for commuting?

The younger generation, I am sure, will not have any trouble using this system. I can’t say about the other age groups but they will start using it slowly. At one point of time, there used to be talks that people would want to use personal cars over the Delhi Metro. But today people of all classes and age groups are using the metro.

Do you see a culture of cycling in Delhi?

The culture will come. That will happen when people start suffering from congestion.

Is the weather conducive for cycling?

I agree in summer months, people might have issues. But in early hours and in the evening, it could be useful. In winter, it will be a great activity.

When will the work start on PBS system?

The detailed project report has been submitted. The work must start in a month or two. We would be making NMV lanes first.