Namma Metro allows foldable cycles in last coach

By Rachana Ramesh | NT
Bengaluru

The Namma Metro allows foldable bicycles into its premises and on the trains, but there is lack of awareness among users and the metro staff to make it an effective way of last mile connectivity.
After receiving complaints from Bengaluru cyclists in 2019, Namma Metro directed its security officials to allow foldable bicycles which can pass through the luggage scanner. The cyclists were also informed to use the last compartment to keep their foldable bicycle without causing any problems to fellow passengers. 

“Because of security reasons, from day one, only foldable cycles that pass through the scanner have been allowed. We have also now put out the restrictions for dimensions and weight,” said Yeshwanth Chavan, Public Relations Officer, BMRCL.

Rajeev Malagi has been using foldable bicycles for three to four years now. “Initially, there were challenges since there was a dilemma of what category the foldable bicycles fall under,” said Rajeev. When the foldable bicycles are considered as luggage, they must be foldable enough to pass through the checking scanner but not all of them can necessarily do so. “They must be perceived more as a wheelchair, a mode of transport for someone. They do not scan a wheelchair, do they? It must work on this logic,” he explained.

But now, the security staff have been sensitised about the allowing of foldable bicycles, Rajeev said. However, a few of them who are unaware tend to stop him and seek permission from their higher authorities leading to confusion and delays. “They are not angry or opposed to this but are guilty of the fact that they are unaware. It comes down to just educating them in the right manner,” he added. The guards must be provided with information, along with visuals of modern micro mobility, and putting out infographics and posters in the premises of the station will help create awareness among both riders and the security staff, he elaborated.

“We don’t know if they have informed their security staff appropriately. We think it is okay but sometimes the security does not know, leading to an argument,” said Sathya Sankaran, Bicycle Mayor. On the question of whether normal bicycles must be welcomed aboard on metros, he said, a much easier way to create last mile connectivity when it comes to cyclists is to create dedicated parking spaces.

“Reliable bicycle stands need to be built in the metro premises where one can lock and leave their cycles, and hope to see them again in the evening,” he added. This must also be extended to other public transport stations like bus stands to encourage cyclists, he said.