Safety concerns overshadow success of smart cycle initiative in Delhi

Forced to pedal with general traffic, cyclists said merely pumping in hundreds of SmartBikes would do little in the absence of any cycling infrastructure across the New Delhi area.

The largely positive user response to the SmartBikes has been overshadowed by the perils one has to face while riding these hi-tech bicycles.

A few users also suggested that the service could be bettered if cycling helmets are provided. (HT FILE PHOTO)

Forced to pedal with general traffic, cyclists said merely pumping in hundreds of SmartBikes would do little in the absence of any cycling infrastructure across the New Delhi area.

“These bikes are good quality but riding them is a headache with cars zooming past you and two-wheelers swerving. I am sure the number of users would had been quite higher if separate lanes for cycles were provided. The traffic, which also comprises these huge DTC and cluster buses, is a big deterrent,” said Amit Gupta, 24, who was using one such SmartBike in Connaught Place.

A few users also suggested that the service could be bettered if cycling helmets are provided. “Since we are expected to ride alongside powerful vehicles, wearing helmets will ensure some safety at least. Cycling helmets protect the skull from fractures and they absorb impact energy,” Sadia Ashraf, a regular SmartBike user, said.

New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) chairperson Naresh Kumar said the civic body is looking at an option where such safety gear will be provided at the kiosks.

“We are planning to set up kiosks across the NDMC area for our employees and traffic police. This will be a space where the traffic police will be able to monitor them. So, we can provide helmets and such items in those kiosks,” he said.

SmartBike Mobility Pvt Ltd, the operator that runs these cycles, however, said they have not provided helmets for hygiene and theft issues.

“No public bike-sharing system anywhere in the world provides helmets because of hygiene and theft issues. However, we encourage our customers to use their own helmets while commuting. When customers inquire, we guide them accordingly,” Dharmin Dontamsetti, managing director, SmartBikes Mobility, said.

Amit Bhatt, director (integrated urban transport), World Resources Institute (India) agreed that riders in countries where public bicycle sharing (PBS) systems have been successful do not wear helmets either.

“In Amsterdam, you don’t see people cycling wearing helmets. Apart from building cycling infrastructure, which is a must, authorities need to flood the whole city with cycle stands in order to make PBS a success. There should be a cycle stand every 200-250 metres,” he maintained.