Bengaluru: Drawing inspiration from Ahmedabad's MYBYK to combat pollution

Ahmedabad’s municipal corporation has taken a significant step to tackle pollution by partnering with MYBYK, a local startup, to offer bicycles for rent at just Rs 15 per day. This forward-thinking initiative aims to cut down the city’s carbon emissions and promote eco-friendly travel.

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MYBYK, launched in 2014 by Arjit Soni with just 200 bikes and four stations, has expanded to a fleet of over 5,500 bicycles available in various cities like Indore, Kochi, Mysuru, and Bengaluru. The system works smoothly with public transport, providing a convenient option for the last mile of a commute and encouraging more people to opt for greener travel methods.

The MYBYK app makes the process simple, users can find, unlock, and pay for a bike through the app. Flexible plans are available, including hourly, daily, weekly, or even monthly rentals. Some plans even allow users to take the bike home, eliminating the need for personal bike ownership or maintenance.

Considering Bengaluru’s rising levels of pollution and traffic congestion, a similar system could bring significant benefits to the city. Major companies like Infosys, Wipro, or TCS could consider sponsoring such a project as part of their corporate social responsibility efforts. This would not only help reduce pollution but also strengthen their public image.

A city-wide bicycle-sharing system could improve traffic conditions, promote health, and reduce environmental impact. Bengaluru has a chance to follow Ahmedabad’s lead and embrace a more sustainable approach to urban living.