Chennai: The Smartbike Cycle-sharing initiative was launched at the Marina in February this year and four months since the launch of the initiative, many people are coming forward to use the cycles, making it a useful and successful project.
Started with three stations in Marina, currently there are six cycle stations on the beach stretch, which are near Light House, Avvaiyar Statue, water kiosk, Marina swimming pool, Labourer’s statue and opposite University of Madras.
“Marina is a tourist place and not many people can walk the entire stretch of Marina. So using this new initiative it gives an opportunity to cycle through the entire stretch and it is also serves as a good exercise. With six stations we can also park the cycles anywhere,” says Varun, who experienced the ride for the first time.
Another rider, Swaroop says that he has been a regular user. “I have been riding the cycles for over a month now every evening, the cycles are well maintained and there is no back-pain and one can enjoy a comfortable ride. With just Rs 6 for one hour it is also cost-effective,” he says.
Balu, a security guard at Light House station says, “The number of riders has increased manifold since the launch of the initiative. Especially during Saturdays and Sundays the demand is huge and people have to wait for the cycles to arrive as all the cycles in the station will be taken by people for a ride.”
He says on an average daily 20 to 30 people come to the station to use the cycles. People can start using the cycles from 8 am till 7 pm. However, Balu says people are allowed to use it till 10 pm now.
“With summer, beach sees lot of people in the evenings and only after 7 pm many people come to take the cycles so they are allowed to use it till 10 pm. However, they are instructed not to lock their cycles after 7 pm until they bring it back to the stands as once they lock it, they wont be able to open.”
Regular users also suggests that they be allowed to use the cycles early in the morning. “By 8 am, the sun will already be up so it will be nice if we could use the cycles early in the morning,” says Swaroop.
The cycles can be accessed by SmartBike mobility App or by calling 044 2644440.