DDA nod for project to promote cycling

In an effort to promote cycling, the Delhi Development Authority on Tuesday decided to develop a network of bicycle stationswith a minimum distance of 300 metres between two of them. While DDA has made such plans in Dwarka and areas which it will develop under the Land Pooling Policy, civic agencies will be asked to work out a plan to implement it in their jurisdiction.

In the pilot project in Dwarka, around 170 cycle stations will be set up. The authority also plans to develop infrastructure, including a dedicated cycling lane, docking stations and other facilities to promote the use of cycles, especially for short distances. An annual budget of Rs 120 crore has been allocated for the project.

As per the cycling policy, the implementing agency will have to set up a dense network of fully automated stations in its jurisdiction so no staff will be required. Radio Frequency Identification Devices (RFID) will be installed to track the cycle where it was taken and deposited by the user. It will also have information about the user.

The project will be implemented on Public Private Partnership basis. Officials said real-time monitoring of station occupancy rates will be done through GPRS to help in redistribution of cycles. There is also a plan to provide real-time information on availability of cycles on web and mobile-based applications.