A run-down cycle stand with a dozen-odd old and rusty cycles for rent may be a thing of the past. Such vanishing stands which had been around for decades are now paving way for new generation cycle stands with a new customer base.
A good example is the modern bicycle station in the IT hub which has caught the fancy of the citizens. From techies to children to even homemakers, the Bicycle station at Gachibowli is abuzz with activity, especially during weekends. Started a year ago by GHMC and Hyderabad Bicycling Club, the station is helping promote the cycling culture in the city.
“After observing people cycling in the area, I went to the station to hire a cycle on a Saturday. But to my surprise almost all the cycles had been rented. It was nice to see a lot of women also coming forward to cycle.” said Naveen Chandra, an IT professional from Kukatpally.
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The station has close to 300 bicycles for rent along with the cycling gear. The 2 km cycling track on the Gachibowli-Madhapur stretch has only helped nurture this activity. “I feel this stretch is the only part in the city where cyclists don’t feel out of place. The greenery around and well-laid track only makes cycling more enjoyable,” said Sukanya Sharma, an IT analyst from Delhi, who had recently shifted to the city.
However, the absence of a bicycle station in the HiTec city MMTS station has disappointed many.
“There was news that a bicycle station will come up in Hi-Tec city MMTS station. Many of my colleagues were excited at the thought of cycling to work from the station. What is the point if cycling is not introduced for professionals in the area,” felt a cycling enthusiast, who commutes from Secunderabad to Madhapur daily.
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D.V. Manohar, Hotelier and Chairman, Hyderabad Bicycling Club said that the cycling stations as well as the tracks will increase soon.
“We are identifying a piece of land near Hi-Tec city MMTS station along with GHMC to start the bicycle station. We even have the entire equipment ready, but the proposal got delayed due to developments in the last few months. Since, the GHMC and TSIIC have agreed to lay 60 km of cycling track, cycling will pick up in a big way in the city.” Informed Mr. Manohar.