Gandhinagar: Encouraged by its initial success, Gandhinagar Urban Development Authority(GUDA) has taken a decision to expand the GBike programme of cycle sharing.

According to GUDA, 400 more cycles are to be added to GBike operation covering Gandhinagar town and some areas of GUDA.

“The project was started with 10 cycle stands and 100 cycles covering bus-stop, gardens and other places. The citizens have overwhelmingly responded to the project by using daily 350-400 trips. Encouraged by this, the second phase will be implemented covering 20 cycle stands and 400 cycles covering entire Gandhinagar town and some areas of GUDA. Availability of cycles will be wider thanks to the second phase implementation. Additionally cycle booking facility will be available through mobile application in future along with real time information and tracking,” said a statement by GUDA issued today here.

It should be mentioned that the Cycle sharing project of GUDA has been awarded in ‘Best non motorized’ category.

GUDA has signed Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) with Netherland baesd research institution and CEPT university for technical assistance.

Success of any bicycle project in Gujarat is very good news as there’s need to encourage cycling for health, fuel saving, affordability and other reasons. Due to traffic congestion on roads, cycling has become very difficult and unsafe in major cities of Gujarat. Even when dedicated cycle lane is built by civic body, it is found soon occupied by hawkers. Handful few successful cycle projects in and around Gujarat include one at Diu island and the other at Sabarmati riverfront in Ahmedabad.

Functioning on Public Private Partnership(PPP) model, GBike programme functions through Rs 5.5 crore grant to GUDA and donation of 100 bicycles by GNFC and GSFHC.

DeshGujarat