Mysuru :
‘If passion can take you places, then Mysuru is the place to polish your passions till perfection.’ This seems to be the collective conscience among the young in city who are leaving behind fat-pay cheques from multi-national corporate companies to follow their hearts.
Like Rohan Abijith and Dhruva Rao, who gave up their lucrative jobs to start the ‘Science Ashram’ at Jayalakshmipuram, there is a rising trend among the young in the city to innovate, collaborate and start ventures that are benefiting the society on the whole.
Now two friends have joined hands to inculcate bicycle culture among Mysureans that can not only save the environment from pollution but can also keep individuals fit!
Nowadays in the fast paced modern world, man is totally dependent on petroleum products to keep moving about in his two and four-wheelers. The gasoline-run vehicles not only pollute the environment, but have also been cause for numerous accidents and deaths in the world. People suffer from breathing problems after inhaling the air polluted by the carbon dioxide emission from these vehicles.
Before it is too late, human beings must realise the importance of clean air and environment and in this context, several environmentalists and naturalists have come forward to work for a people-friendly environment.
The city is not lagging behind on such environmentally conscious matters and is fortunate to have two young men namely Vikas Hosahalli, a resident of Kuvempunagar and Mahesh Siddegowda, residing at Kesare, the founders of ‘Green Wheel Ride’ who have been trying to instill ‘Cycling Culture’ among Mysureans. In the first phase of cycling promotion, the duo have opened centres near State Bank of Mysore in Chamundipuram, near Gnanaganga School in Kuvempunagar, near Vikram Nursing School in Gokulam and near Corporation Bank branch in V. V. Mohalla.
Green Wheel Ride has plans to open 75 to 100 franchise points at various locations in city. The unique feature of this ‘Cycling Concept’ is that one may hire a bicycle from one centre and hand over the bicycle at the nearest destination centre.
Speaking to SOM, Vikas said that the duo was looking for places to set up their franchisees and are happy to engage in partnerships with institutions and environmentally conscious corporate houses.
“There are lots of un-used spaces in government office buildings and they are perfect to have these e-bikes installed there. The officials can use these bikes for their transport, but we are not getting any positive response from them,” says Vikas.
After having relinquished their plum positions in MNCs, Mahesh, a mechanical engineer by profession, has been engaged in altering the bicycles and Vikas is into the maintenance work of these bicycles.
Battery operated bicycles: We may be wondering how to pedal on these bicycles especially during summer, relax; these bicycles operate on eco-friendly batteries. ‘Lithium Ion’ technology is used for these bicycles and once the battery is charged, the bicycle runs for 70 kms at 20 km per hour. The cost for 3-hour charge will be less than a Rupee.
Triple mechanism on bicycle: An individual can ride the bicycle by pedalling if he or she wants to exercise; the bicycle can also be operated with pedals and accelerator on battery. The bicycle has the option of being operated only on accelerator.
The spare parts for these bicycles are manufactured by Green Wheel Ride at their Hootagalli unit in city. Bicycles are assembled at the Vidyaranyapuram unit, here, and the brand name for these bicycles is ‘Made in Mysuru.’
These bicycles may be hired at 50 paise per minute for members and Re. 1 per minute for non-members. Bicycles are available for hire between 8 am and 6 pm at the designated bicycle centres in city.
Riders who wish to avail these bicycles on hire should submit a passport sized photograph, identity card, address proof and give their thumb impression on biometric machine. The firm has its own App for registration of members and to identify the path travelled by the bicycle rider.
E-Bike: The battery-operated bicycle was launched only 18 days ago in Mysuru and has been christened ‘E-Bike’ for its eco-friendly mechanism. Our aim is to save the environment from pollution and reduce the dependency on petrol, diesel operated vehicles. Even if 10 percent of our population uses these bicycles, the country would save lakhs of rupees on petroleum products import. Ten bicycles have been made available at the Karanji Kere premises for the convenience of the public. A fee of Rs. 25 will be charged for 30 minutes use. About 3,500 people have used 10 bicycles which were operational at Karanji Lake during the last 10 months covering a distance of 15,000kms.
Green Wheel Ride has plans to open such Bicycle Centres in other cities too and those interested to join the organisation may contact: 95358 50001 or visit the website: www.ecobike.rentals
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / Sunday – June 14th, 2015